Taking the Chance

A Total-E-Bound Publication

www.total-e-bound.com

Taking the Chance ISBN # 978-0-85715-045-5 ©Copyright Trina Lane 2010 Cover Art by Lyn Taylor ©Copyright March 2010 Edited by Michele Paulin Total-E-Bound Publishing This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-E-Bound Publishing. Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution. The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork. Published in 2010 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL, United Kingdom.

Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has been rated Total-e-burning.

TAKING THE CHANCE Trina Lane

Dedication To Jambrea, Kimberley, and Molli the best beta readers with whose keen eyes and insightful suggestions made this book everything it could be.

Trademarks Acknowledgement The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction: Yoda: Lucasfilm Ltd. Obi-Wan Kenobi: Lucasfilm Ltd. Mustang: Ford Motor Company Corporation Indy 500: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation Mercury: Ford Motor Company Corporation Edsel: Ford Motor Company Corporation Mercedes Gullwing: Daimler AG Corporation Gremlin: American Motors Corporation The Rock: Dwayne Johnson, Individual Walking Tall: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) Devil Went Down to Georgia: Charlie Daniels Band GTO Judge: General Motors Corporation Ram Air III engines: Pontiac Motors Hurst Shifters: B&M Racing Performance Products Inc. Barrett Jackson: Barrett-Jackson Auction Company L.L.C. Tivo: Tivo Brands LLC Astroglide: Astro-Lube Inc. Transformers: DreamWorks SKG, Paramount Studios and Hasbro The Exorcist: Hoya Productions Celox: MedTrade Products Ltd. Triumph Stag: Triumph Motor Company The Karate Kid: Delphi Films/Columbia Pictures YMCA: National Council of Young Men's Christian Associations of the United States of America, Vulcan (Star Trek): Desilu Productions Boy Scout: Boy Scouts of America NFL: National Football League MLB: Major League Baseball Mandalay Bay: Mandalay Bay Resort Group Luxor Hotel: Ramparts, Inc. The Excalibur: New Castle Corporation Bellagio Fountains: Bellagio LLC Treasure Island: Treasure Island LLC Caesar’s Palace: Harrah’s Entertainment Motel Six: Motel 6 Operating L.P. Composed of General Partner Motel 6 G. P., Inc. Pay-Per-View: Home Box Office, Inc. Corporation

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Chapter One

The fist came into Robert Lansing’s cheek, and his head snapped around to the right with the force of the punch. Damn, didn’t see that one coming. Sweat flew off his head in an arc landing outside the ropes. He contorted his torso as though he was going down but, at the last minute, charged forward and put a shoulder into the midsection of his opponent, James. The two bodies landed on the mat, grappling for supremacy. Robert rolled onto his back in an open position. While seemingly vulnerable, James’ body covered his and tried to immobilise him. Okay, it’s time to end this little tussle. Pulling a little used move out of his arsenal, Robert brought his right leg up between them and pressed his shin against James’ throat, and then wrapping his left leg around the back of the head, he pulled down on his foot. He heard James tap the mat to signal his surrender. “All right, all right. I give you bastard.” Robert let go of his foot, and James climbed out from between his legs. “Jesus man, where did you pull that move from?” “It’s called the gogoplata. Not used very often because of the flexibility required, but all the more effective.” “I’ll say. You had me pinned in like ten seconds.” James reached down to pull him up onto his feet. They walked over to the ropes to grab their water bottles. Pulling up on the tip, Robert squeezed the bottle and a cool stream of water refreshed his burning throat. He unscrewed the cap and tilted the rest of the bottle over the top of his head, the water cooling his overheated skin. “Defeat me not, oh young one. Much to learn you have,” he said. James climbed out of the ropes. “Oh God, spare me the Yoda talk. You do realise that seriously dates you, right? Speaking of dates, when is the last time you had one, Obi-Wan?”

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Robert pushed James on the back of his shoulder towards the locker room. “You’re confusing your characters, dimwit.” Looking back over his shoulder, James taunted, “You’re avoiding the question.” A grimace creased Robert’s forehead and lips. “I have dates. I went to the movies last weekend and to that new bar and grill on Second Avenue the week before.” “Going with you mom and her boyfriend doesn’t count. I’m talking about calling a person up, picking them up at their house, paying for dinner, and if you play your cards right getting a little action at the end of the evening.” Robert pushed open the door to the locker room and grabbed a towel off the stack. Circling over to their lockers, they stripped their gloves, shorts and support straps. He walked over to the showers and selected the open head closest to the opposite wall. After flipping his towel on the hook, he turned the spigot. The cold water made him sigh in pleasure and shiver at the same time. He looked over at James, who was using the shower head a few feet over. “Fine, it’s been awhile.” “Awhile? Spill it.” “Fuck! Six months, happy?” Six months of denying himself. Six months of jacking off in the shower and in bed at night, his imagination filling in the blank slate of his sex life. Nameless features on an unknown man. Only his memory supplied the sensation of a hard chest against his, a thick, long cock to rub against, and the feel of muscular legs wrapped around his hips as he thrust deep in a tight, hot ass or ground into a cotton-sheeted mattress while he’s being stretched by broad blunt fingers. Shaking his head to dispel the images before he threw wood in the shower, he said, “When was the last time you had a real date?” “I’m married with a new baby, kemo sabe. The most exciting thing I do these days is see specimens previously unknown to human existence inside my kid’s diaper.” James rolled his eyes. “First of all, that’s just gross. Second, you’re pathetic. We should hit Frank’s tomorrow night. Think you can get enough time off for good behaviour to grab a few beers?” “Yeah, probably. I think Cindy is taking the baby to her mom’s anyway. I’m always obsolete when we go there.”

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They finished their showers then they got dressed and headed for the gym door. “Damn, feels like that cool front is coming in early. I always thought March meant spring flowers and shit.” James shivered as the cold air blew over his still damp head. “Maybe in Southern Missouri. Here in Portland, we enjoy a more gradual ascent into spring. It usually arrives sometime in June.” Robert slapped James on the back and headed for his car. He looked to where James had parked his recently acquired family friendly vehicle and yelled, “Don’t forget! Tomorrow…beer, darts, and pool.”

**** Robert drove his cherry 1970 Cobra Jet Mustang convertible towards his mom’s place. The car was his baby, lovingly raised from the frame up. He’d shaped each body panel and installed every piece of trim by hand. He wanted to get a new top. Maybe he would ask Joe, his step-dad about it tonight. It was a good thing he had an inside man for getting parts, otherwise the price of raising of this baby would triple that of a real child. Joe was a good man to have around for more than one reason though. He made his mom happy. She deserved happiness, after raising Robert alone and always working extra shifts to support their small family. He’d never known his biological dad who’d died in Vietnam, and Joe had become a surrogate father to him five years ago. Pulling into the driveway, he saw his mom, Deb, standing on the front porch. Her arms and ankles crossed as she leaned on the post. How does she always know when I’m going to show up? Getting out of the car, he walked towards her. “Hey mom.” “Hello, dear.” She pulled him into her arms as only a mother would. “How was training today? I see James got at least one good hit in.” She pointed to the bruise blooming on Robert’s cheekbone. He put his hand up to his cheek and tested out his jaw as he rolled his eyes. “Yeah, but I made sure it was just the one.” “Come on inside, then. I just finished making a veggie tray. You’re probably hungry. You always are.” “Thanks.”

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Robert opened the screen door for his mom and followed her inside to the cosy living room. He had paid off the mortgage on this home with his first big win in the pro circuit of the SMA, Supreme Martial Arts federation, nearly five years ago. He’d wanted to make sure his mom had a secure home after all the sacrifices she’d made over the years. Eyeballing the tray of veggies on the kitchen table, he sank into a chair and reached for a celery stick. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw his mom watching him scarf down three celery sticks in short order. “Okay, spill it,” she said. “What?” He gave an innocent look. Deb put her fists on her hips and stared down her him. “Don’t ‘what’ me, young man. I can see something is bothering you. You worried about the fight? James landing more shots than he should be?” “Nah, training’s going well. I should be ready for Vegas in plenty of time. It’s nothing I can’t work through.” He reached for a cucumber slice. “I know you can work through it on your own. You always could. That doesn’t mean I can’t help.” Robert reached for another slice of cucumber, but his mom snatched the tray away, holding it for ransom. “Fess up,” she demanded. “It’s just something James said earlier. He asked how long it’s been since I had a date.” He glared at her. “No, I’m not telling you.” He rescued his snack tray before continuing. “It’s just damn frustrating not being honest with him. I don’t think he would care that I’m gay, but I can’t risk someone overhearing a conversation and being outed to other fighters or, god forbid, management. He’s my best friend, you know?” Robert knew she understood his reasons for staying in the closet, especially given his profession, but lately, he struggled with that choice. For someone who normally is so decisive in every move he made, it was truly out of character, and his mom knew that. The backdoor opened, and Joe walked in. Robert watched as Joe leaned down to greet Deb with a kiss and smiled at the easy affection between the two. “What’s up?” Joe asked then went over to place a hand on Robert’s shoulder. Deb looked over at Joe. “Robert’s having a hard time lying to James about his choices.”

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“Why now, after all these years? You’ve been sparring partners for how long? What’s changed?” he asked, while picking up a carrot off the snack tray. Robert sighed and ran his hand over the top of his head. “Not sure. We were just joking around earlier and a big part of me wanted to say, ‘you know I could really use a good hard man to screw right now’.” He felt a blush creep up his face. “Sorry, mom.” Deb let out a hard laugh. “Oh, honey. You really think hearing that is going to faze me? I worked in bars half my life. I heard much raunchier on penny pitcher nights for years. Plus, you know I’ve always accepted you being gay.” “That may be, but first you’re my mother and I still respect that, and second I have no desire to discuss my sex life within your sonar range.” His mom leant over and kissed his cheek. “I guess I did something right while raising you.” He looked over at Joe, who silently watched the exchange, and caught a twinkle in his eye. Joe cleared his throat. “Well, it seems to me that you have a decision to make. Do you continue to stay completely in the closet or are you honest with your best friend and, after explaining your reasons, trust that your friendship will protect your overall choice. It’s a tough decision, but you’ll do what’s right for you and your friendship with James.” Robert heaved a long sigh. “Yeah, I’ll have to give it some serious thought.” He stood up to get a glass of water from dispenser in the refrigerator door. Leaning back against the countertop, he took several swallows before asking, “Hey, is there any way you can order me a top for the car? I’ve been meaning to replace the current one for several months, but one thing or another always came up.” “Sure no problem. I could have it in by next week. You want one of my guys to install it or you want to use the garage?” “I’ll do it, but I wouldn’t be averse to having an extra set of hands.” “Sounds good. I’ll give you a call when it comes in.” Robert stood up and gave his mom and Joe a hug goodbye. “Thanks for being sounding boards. I’ll see you both later.”

****

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Deb watched as Robert walked back through the living room and out to his car. She heard the throaty engine turn over and saw his lights flash as he pulled out of the driveway. She was standing by the window in the living room when Joe’s arms circled her waist and his chin rested on her shoulder. “So…that was unusual. I’ve never heard him question his choice to remain quiet before. You think there’s someone specific that’s making him think about coming clean to James, or just finally being tired of all the dodging?” he asked. “I’m not sure. He refused to cough up any good info. I would love to see him find someone special. He looked so lost sitting there at the table.” She stepped out of Joe’s arms and started pacing around the sofa. She had seen the look of longing on her son’s face when Joe greeted her with his customary kiss. It was so hard to watch her baby boy struggle. She knew he was an adult, had been for a long time, but she would always be his mother. “I’ve always tried to be supportive of him since he came out to me in college, but I have to admit it’s hard watching him so unhappy. Why can’t people understand that your sexuality is intrinsic? I’ve never understood why the sex of your lover should automatically make another person change their perspective of someone’s worth. Why my son should be considered disturbed and unnatural because he is sexually attracted to men, when it doesn’t change who he is as a person and the value he has to society as a whole, is beyond my understanding.” Joe caught her hand on the final circuit around the living room. “You know I agree with you, sweetheart. Unfortunately, there are too many people who are not as enlightened as us. So we educate them, one person at a time if need be. You know…while you’ve been imitating the Indy 500 in our living room, I’ve been plotting.” That made Deb stop. She looked over at the love of her life and saw a happy and mischievous glimmer in his eyes. “Do tell.” “There’s a young man at the garage who works part-time at nights. I happen to know he’s gay, but he’s also very discrete. He doesn’t deny his sexuality if confronted, but neither does he broadcast it. Maybe I can set it up that he’s the one to help Robert with the top installation, and Robert can see that there are ways to live honestly without feeling so

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vulnerable at every turn.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Plus you never know. They may hit it off.” She looped her arms around his neck. “I knew there was a reason why I fell in love with you.” “You mean it wasn’t for my devilish charm? My shockingly good looks? My amazing talent in bed? I’m crushed.” He pouted. “Oh don’t worry. You’re all that and a bag of chips, but the fact that you love my son as your own and are willing to do whatever is within your power to make him happy is why you’re a real keeper—even if it is by setting him up on the sly like a Jewish yenta.” She kissed him sweetly then reached down, took his hand and led him back to their bedroom.

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Chapter Two

The tone signalling that the front door to Fitz’s Restorations had opened came through the speakers. Justin Floyd swivelled his head to see through the plate glass into the waiting area when a man walked through. “Can I help you with something?” The man just stood there in the opening. It looked as if he was casing the joint. His eyes kept shifting from each of the current projects being worked on. Good luck stealing them, buddy. Most are in pieces. The large open area of the shop was currently home to a 1949 custom Mercury sedan, a 1959 Ford Edsel and a 1955 Mercedes Gullwing. Each project had a dedicated area and work station. “Can I help you with something? We’re going to be closing in a few minutes. If you’re looking for Joe, he’s in the office. Just go back though the door you came in and turn right.” “I’m sorry. I was distracted by the beauty before me. The cars, I mean. I’m Robert Lansing. Joe said the top for my Mustang came in, and I wanted to take a look at it before installing it tomorrow night. I’m Joe’s unofficial stepson for lack of a better term. He said I could use the garage. You’re welcome to go home though. No need to babysit me. He lets me use the shop after hours all the time. Hell, I practically built my entire car in here. You see I have…” It was a good thing the man before him seemed to be babbling because Justin couldn’t take his eyes off him. His laser blue eyes put Daniel Craig and Paul Newman to shame. His head was shaved so close only a dark shading showed where his hairline would be. He was tall, too. Justin thought his height would be perfect for kissing the sensual lips while the man was fucking him senseless. He was built like a professional athlete or what he always pictured special ops soldiers looking like. Mmm...just like The Rock in Walking Tall. Maybe he should actually pay attention to what tall, built and hot was saying. “Did you say you’re Robert Lansing?”

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“Yeah.” Justin put his hand out to shake Robert’s. “Oh man, I’m sorry. I’m Justin Floyd. Joe said you would be coming by tonight. I’m going to help you install your top tomorrow if you need an extra set of hands. I’d offer tonight, but I already have plans.” “No worries about tonight. I can’t either. I was just excited and wanted to take a peek before embarking on the adventure tomorrow. If you need to leave and get cleaned up for whatever, don’t let me keep you.” “It’s cool. I live in the apartment upstairs so I only have to run up, shower and change. Let’s take a look at the top. I put it over on the shelves earlier.” As they walked over to the counter, he looked back over his shoulder and smiled. “You know when you first came through the door, I thought you looked like you were casing the joint.” He laughed. “Really? That’s funny. I guess when I come in here I do look around a lot. I love coming here to salivate over the incredible machinery. I always say that’s why I let Joe start dating my mom in the first place. Neither of them tend to believe me though. I don’t think they take me seriously.” Justin laughed at Robert’s last comment. The man was gorgeous and funny. It was too bad his comment earlier about being mesmerised by the beauty couldn’t be referring to Justin. He would love to be the object of Robert’s fascination. They opened the box labelled with Robert’s last name. Taking out the instructions, they studied the installation procedure. It seemed fairly simple enough, and both men agreed that it shouldn’t take too long, given their experience. “It was nice to meet you, Robert, but I do have to run now. Do you mind locking up on your way out?” “Not at all. It was nice meeting you, too, Justin. I’ll see ya tomorrow.”

**** Robert lay in bed that night picturing Justin in the shop earlier. A few inches short of his own six foot three inches, the man had the most incredible liquid brown eyes. Staring into them had been like swimming in dark chocolate. Thick, dark blond hair fell in sweeps from his forehead and stopped just short of his collar. Robert had seen the ropey definition of his arms beyond his short sleeves, his pecs and washboard abs not disguised at all by the fit of

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his T-shirt tucked into his jeans. Robert had gazed in adoration at the way Justin’s jeans had tightened over his perfect ass when he’d bent over to pick up the box. God, Robert wanted to grab that ass and press up against it, wanted to feel the round curves cradle his cock. A pair of muscular legs had fallen from the bubble butt. He wanted to know what those legs looked like without covering. Did Justin’s thigh muscles bulge? Were his calves carved like stone? Were they lightly or heavily furred? But most of all, how would they feel wrapped around Robert or propped on his shoulders? Robert’s cock quickly hardened as his thoughts continued to wander. Reaching over into his bedside table, he grabbed a small bottle of lube. Tipping the bottle, he let a small puddle form in his palm. He closed his eyes and pictured Justin lying naked on top of him, his fingertips digging in, testing the strength of the muscles in his chest, shoulders and arms. He imagined a hot mouth latched onto his nipple and sucking hard, front teeth tugging on the nub, soothing it with his tongue a moment later. Justin’s hands would glide down his abs, his tongue tracing the defined ridges. Moving lower, the hands caressed the indentation of Robert’s hips. The touch would make him shiver with pleasure. Justin would spread Robert’s legs as he settled himself between them. One of those large hands would start kneading his sac and the other would stroke the pulsing column of his cock. Robert found himself mimicking the movements of his imagination. He fisted his cock more and rolled his balls in his palm. Stroking up, he passed his thumb over the leaking slit. Using his nail, he flicked the small opening and hissed at the combination of pleasure and stinging pain. In his mind, Justin was leaning over the tip of Robert’s cock getting ready to suck it inside the hot cavern of his mouth. Robert continued to stroke himself, increasing the pace. What would that mouth feel like? He loved getting blow jobs. What guy didn’t? Could Justin take all of him? Robert knew he was long, but more than that, he was thick. Not freakish or anything but enough that it had been a problem in the past. In his mind, Justin lowered down over the head and lapped with his tongue before sinking down his length. Each inch disappeared slowly. Robert imagined the head hitting the back of the hot throat and being swallowed.

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He felt his climax building in his balls. Bending his knees to plant his feet on the mattress, he reached beyond his sac and felt the smooth skin of his perineum and the tight circle of his opening. It fluttered at his touch. His other hand was furiously pulling tight on his dick now, and just as he sensed his orgasm closing in, he pushed two fingers deep. He cried out Justin’s name as cum shot out and coated his stomach. He rode out his orgasm, and slowly, the fantasy dissolved, leaving him with a messy clean-up. Getting out of bed, he padded to the bathroom and wiped himself up with a wet cloth then climbed in bed and quickly fell into an exhausted sleep.

**** Justin sat at the small table in the restaurant, valiantly trying to focus on his date’s conversation, but his mind kept roaming to the image of Robert in the garage earlier that evening. He’d smelled so good when they had been standing close reading the directions for his top’s installation. It was the scent of a hot-blooded, clean, testosterone-filled man. If Justin didn’t know better, he would have thought Robert purposefully had placed himself slightly behind him so he could look over his shoulder and press into Justin’s body while reading. Alas, he knew Robert was straight. Joe had often talked about Robert. He had always talked about him in vague terms as his girlfriend’s son, whom he loved as his own, but with no specific details. When Justin’s brain had kicked on, he’d realised just who Robert was. Robert Lansing was ‘The Robert Lansing’. SMA’s, Supreme Martial Arts’, ultimate competitor. Record of nineteen and four since turning pro at twenty-four years old. Everyone who followed the sport knew that Robert Lansing was polite, well-mannered and almost ego-free. He grew up supporting the Seahawks and had a weakness for a good microbrew. When he won his first championship five years ago, he’d dedicated the win to the local gym, where he supposedly still trained. Women flock to the man, and he was frequently seen socialising with them in the time surrounding his matches. Oh well, a man can dream can’t he? He heard a voice far away calling his name, and he looked across the table to his companion, Brian. “Sorry, what was that?” “Where were you just now?” Brian laughed and shook his head.

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“Sorry, I have a lot on my mind tonight. I don’t mean to be bad company.” Justin looked over at Brian and felt bad for fantasising about another man while dining with him. Brian was a good guy. He was nice, attractive, intelligent, and Justin had enjoyed himself the handful of times they’d gone out. The man knew how to kiss and gave a fantastic hand job. “Anything I can help with?” “No, just tired. You know two jobs and all. Don’t get me wrong, I love working at Joe’s and still get a high working in the ambulance, but it doesn’t leave much time for relaxation. Sometimes stuff just builds up, you know?” Brian stood up from the table and held out his hand. “Come on, let’s go. I know a surefire way to release stress.” Justin stood and preceded Brian out of the restaurant. He felt Brian’s hand on the small of his back. It slid over and gave a little squeeze on his hip. Justin knew where this was leading. Most likely they would go back to Brian’s place and fuck. Maybe he could get a blowjob? That would be nice. No effort, pure pleasure and a mind-numbing orgasm. Yeah, that’s what I’ll aim for. As soon as they entered Brian’s apartment, Justin went on the offensive, pushing him against the wall next to the door and kissing him hard. Their tongues lashed, and their teeth clicked. Justin angled his head and grabbed the back of Brian’s to hold him in place. When they had to separate for air, Brian was already jerking at Justin’s belt and trying to open his jeans. Brian’s hands dove down inside and surrounded Justin’s rapidly hardening cock. Justin shoved his jeans and underwear down with one hand and pushed Brian’s shoulder down with the other, making his desire clear. Brian sank to his knees and wasted no time sucking the head into his hot mouth. All of a sudden, Robert’s image popped inside Justin’s head. Looking down, he saw not Brian’s short, spiky, blond hair but Robert’s closely shaved, dusky-skinned head. It wasn’t Brian’s green eyes looking up at him, but Robert’s laser blue. Groaning, Justin closed his eyes and tilted his head back against the wall. Although part of him knew it was wrong fantasising about one man and being with another, he couldn’t find it within himself to stop either the fantasy or Brian’s hot mouth that was deliciously sucking. Hands grabbed his ass as the hot mouth pulled him deep. Justin’s mind conjured up Robert’s large palms. He knew

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they would grab him tight. Robert’s fingers would meet in the cleft between his cheeks and separate them, maybe one finger would circle his hole and the tip would dip inside. Justin’s balls churned with the need to come. Clenching his hands into fists, he groaned out, “Faster, faster. Suck me.” A hand joined the lips sliding up and down his cock. The hand sped up and at the top of each stroke gave the head of his cock a squeeze. Not long now… Just a little more… The hand disappeared, and the mouth slammed down to the root. Justin felt throat muscles close around his tip, and it was enough to send him over the edge. He heard himself cry out and hoped to god he didn’t say Robert’s name aloud. A couple of minutes later, he looked down to see Brian’s very self-satisfied grin. “Thank you.” “Jesus, that was hot. You were primed to blow, weren’t you? I barely touched myself and spewed all over the floor. Just out of curiosity, who were you thinking of?” Brian saw the deer in the headlights fear come over Justin’s eyes. “Yeah, I thought so.” “Fuck, I’m so sorry man. Did I say something?” “No, I could just tell you weren’t with me. It’s really okay, though. You were great, and we both got off. It’s not like we’re serious or even exclusive. I was just wondering.” “Ah shit…” They put their clothes back together, and Brian went to the kitchen to grab a beer. Justin declined, sank into the sofa and tilted his head back to close his eyes. Brian flopped down on the other end. “I just met him tonight. I honestly don’t even think he’s gay, but fuck the man was hotter than Hades in summer.” “You know there’s only one way to find out,” Brian said. Rolling his head, Justin looked at the other end of the sofa. “Yeah, I know. As much as my libido wishes, I really don’t think it’s a feasible thing with this guy. I want you to know that I have had fun with you. You’re a great guy to hang out with.” Brian saluted him with the beer bottle. “Ditto. Let’s face it. We have fun, but we’re not soul mates. So, go after this guy. If he can inspire a response like that, imagine what you would do with the real thing.”

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“He could be a real asshole.” “Yep, he could.” “Fuck.” “If you’re lucky.”

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Chapter Three

Robert glanced around inside the garage for Justin. Not seeing him, he headed for the office, maybe Justin was talking to Joe or was on the phone. Knocking on the door, he discovered an empty office. No sign of either Joe or Justin. Then he remembered Justin said he lived in the apartment upstairs. He probably ran up for something. Robert hadn’t been invited up so he figured it would be best to wait there. He didn’t want to seem too eager. Casually leaning against a work table, he waited. When fifteen minutes went by and there was still no sign of Justin, Robert started to get upset. Justin didn’t seem like the kind of guy to flake out on a commitment, but if Robert was honest he really didn’t know the man. One conversation and a fantasy jerk off session did not an intimate knowledge make. A few minutes later, he heard a car pull up and walked towards the entrance of the garage bay but was disappointed only to see Joe climbing out his car. “Hey, Robert. You all set to get the new top on?” “Well, I was, until my helper didn’t show. I guess I can do it myself. I just figured an extra set of hands would be helpful.” Just then Devil went down to Georgia blared from Joe’s hip. He looked down at his phone. “Hold that thought, it’s Justin. Hello?” Robert could only hear Joe’s half of the conversation but smiled as Joe walked away. The man had a tendency to wander when using the phone. Robert thought it was funny, but he knew it drove his mom nuts, since she had a bad habit of wanting to overhear conversations. Maybe Joe had developed the habit out of necessity? Robert stood against the side of the building, waiting to hear Justin’s excuse for not showing up. He guessed it would have been smart to exchange phone numbers so they could talk directly, but he’d been afraid that might tempt him to reach out and connect with the man for other reasons. Joe shut his phone and walked over to where Robert was standing. “He says he’s really sorry for being late. He had a really nasty accident, and it took longer for things to clear up then he anticipated. Well, I have to head home. Your mom is cooking lasagne tonight, and I

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have no intention of being late for that. Justin said he should be here in about ten minutes.” He jumped in his car and waved as he pulled out of the parking lot. Robert was still in shock after hearing Justin’s reason for being late. He hadn’t thought to get Joe to clarify before the man took off like a bat out of hell. Shit! Now, he felt terrible about doubting Justin’s integrity. The man was in a car accident for God’s sake, and Joe said it was a nasty one. He hoped Justin wasn’t hurt. But then they would have taken him to the ER, right? His car was probably totalled. Robert didn’t know what he drove, but hopefully, it wasn’t an irreplaceable classic. He’ll probably be taking a cab to get here, or maybe he has a friend driving him? He paced, anxious to see Justin alive and in one piece. He kept looking down the street for a car or cab that was heading that direction. After several minutes, he realised the pacing was pointless and frustrating. He headed inside to unpack the top and lay it out to prepare for the installation. He had already asked the day guys strip the old top off the frame to cut down on the installation time tonight. As he finished setting the new rear window, someone came into the shop. When he turned around, instead of seeing Justin’s wide smile, all he saw was the blood covering his shirt. “Oh my God! Are you okay?” He raced over and grabbed Justin by the shoulders and looked him up and down. He ran his hands up and down Justin’s arms and chest. “I’m fine. It’s not mine. It belonged to the victim,” Justin said. He took hold of one of Robert’s hands and placed one of his own on the wide expanse of chest before him, flexing his fingers just a little. Jeez, what an idiot, I am! Robert thought. He noticed about that same time that he still held Justin’s hand. Letting go quickly, he spun around and tried to compose himself back from the frantic dipshit he just portrayed. Nothing like being too obvious, Lansing. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realise you had a day job, too. Joe just said you had an accident then took off. I assumed you were in an accident, not working one. So judging from the uniform, I take it you’re an EMT?” Justin bent down to unzip his duffle and grabbed his garage clothes as he said, “I’ve been a city paramedic for six years. This gig at Joe’s is just a part-time deal. I work three

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nights a week on whatever project the full-time guys need. I enjoy the work, and the cheap rent is a real bonus. Working on the bus is a rush, but I’m not buying my dream car anytime soon.” He walked towards the office. “I’m going to change real quick then we can get started.” Robert watched Justin walk into the office then he noticed that the door hadn’t closed all the way. I really shouldn’t go look, I really shouldn’t. Oh who the hell am I kidding, I’m going to look. Robert crept towards the office in time to see Justin strip the offending shirt over the top of his head, revealing the mouth-watering ridges of his stomach. The delineations of his triceps and biceps bulged as he stretched. Robert swallowed when the navy pants, which had hugged Justin’s hips and ass so perfectly were unzipped and shed. His eyes widened as Justin bent over and removed his briefs. Nothing covered that perfect skin now. Robert wanted to reach out and touch so badly, wanted to grab onto the perfectly round ass and pull their straining cocks together. He craved to clutch the winged trapezius muscles of Justin’s back as Justin sank deep inside him with the impressive package currently on display. Justin bent over to pick up his jeans, awarding Robert with a perfect view of the tight ring guarding his hole. Robert could just imagine what it would feel like around his fingers and cock. The soft, plush, hot channel clenching around him as he stroked deep. He heard a soft groan escape and hoped the sound didn’t carry. He quickly turned away in order to get his cock to calm down before Justin came back out to the shop.

**** They worked to quickly to install the pads over the frame of the canopy. It took a little longer to get the rear tack strip in place and secure it to the front of the frame. After about four hours, they had the new top in place. He stood back to admire the work as Justin’s arm slung around his shoulders. “Not a bad job if I do say so myself. Good thing you had the others remove the old one otherwise it would have taken twice the time tonight.” “Yeah, I learned that lesson the hard way when I did this the first time after just buying the car. I appreciate the help tonight. Hey look, if you’re interested and have the time, of course, we could hit the pub down the street for a beer. My treat, you know for all the help.”

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Robert looked quickly over at Justin and back away, hoping the man didn’t see the desire in his eyes. “I could defiantly go for a cold one right now. We can wash up then hit the road. Too bad, you can’t put the top down for a couple of weeks. It’s a great night for a cruise.” Robert turned and found himself sinking into the liquid brown depths of Justin’s eyes. “Yeah. Well, I’m sure there will be plenty of nights we can go cruising in the future.” They were so close. All he would have to do is angle his head and tilt forward for their lips to meet. He saw Justin’s nostrils flair slightly, as he sucked in a breath. Could it be that he wants me, too? Did Justin burn with the need to devour each other as much as he did? He didn’t want to risk giving himself away more than he already had, so he took a step back and began clearing the debris from their project and putting away the tools.

Justin sucked in a steadying breath and tried to find his equilibrium again. For a moment, he’d thought Robert was going to kiss him. It wouldn’t have taken much to complete the circuit. He could feel the electricity arching between them, and for the first time, he didn’t think it was all one sided. Does Robert swing both ways? It was certainly possible that he’d managed to keep that part of himself quiet from the public. As long as he presented a certain public image, he could seek out other companions discreetly. Then again, if you followed that line of thought, it was theoretically possible that Robert was gay and only used the women as beards. Or maybe I’m just wishing on a star. They found a small table in a dark corner of the pub down the street from the shop. The close quarters forced an intimate atmosphere. When Justin stretched out his legs, he encountered Robert’s under the table. He was surprised Robert didn’t pull away immediately and let the touch linger a moment longer. After the waiter had taken their orders, Robert asked about the accident that delayed him earlier. Justin fiddled with the cardboard coaster on the table. “Semi-truck versus compact sedan. The car was wedged underneath the trailer. Half the roof had been sliced off. The guy was able to avoid being decapitated, but a piece of metal sliced open his neck. By some

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miracle it missed both his carotid and jugular. I had to crawl in and apply pressure to control the bleeding until the fire crew could pry open door so we could get him out.” The waiter delivered their beers, and he took a pull before continuing. “Part of the problem was that the dash had caved in, and he had a severely broken leg, too.” “Jesus. Is he going to make it?” “Yeah, I think so. The man is seriously lucky. He should go buy a lottery ticket.” After several moments, he asked, “So when is your next fight?” “You know what I do?” Justin laughed at the shocked expression on Robert’s face and flicked the coaster at him. “Yeah. I figured it out shortly after you introduced yourself. I’m a fan of the SMA and have seen a couple of your matches. I just never put it together with your relationship with Joe because he’s only ever referred to you by your first name. So?” “I have a big match in Las Vegas in three months. If I win, it guarantees me a spot in the championship. I’ve already been training for the last several weeks. Between fights, I maintain myself, but you don’t want to over-train so only in the couple of months prior to a fight will I ramp things up to match level. I have a great sparring partner. James and I have been working together for several years now.” He looked down to see that he had finished his beer and signalled for another. “So what’s your dream car you’re not being justly rewarded enough to get?” “1969 GTO Judge Coupe. Three hundred thirty five horse Ram Air III engine, Rally II wheels, and Hurst shifter in carousel red. I’d like to find an un-restored original with low miles and do the work myself. Problem is the best I’ve been able to find with at least a good bone structure is forty-three thousand dollars.” “Great car. Amazing performance. I saw a restored numbers matching 1971 sell at Barrett-Jackson for two hundred thousand last year.” Justin set his beer down hard on the table and leant forward. “You’ve been to BarrettJackson? Scottsdale or Palm Beach? Damn, I would love to experience that at some point in my life. It would be such a high to actually buy something there, but even to go as a spectator would be awesome.”

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“It is definitely a lifetime experience. I went to Scottsdale. I feel that it embodies the true spirit of the auction whereas Palm Springs is more like a spin-off. You know there’s going to be one in Las Vegas, same time as the championship?” “I did hear they were doing one there this year. If you play your cards right, you could win the championship and see some incredible cars all in one trip. So tell me about Joe and your mom. If you don’t mind, that is.” “Nah, I don’t mind. They’re sweet together. My mom raised me by herself, since my dad was killed in Vietnam. He was hit two weeks before he was scheduled to come home. I know it was tough bringing me up on her own, but we made the best of it. When I started fighting as a way to make money in college, she stood beside me, even though I could tell she was worried I’d get myself killed.” He laughed at a particular memory of his mom slapping him upside the head after a match where he’d taken a hard fall and was actually unconscious for a minute or two. She told him to never to that to her again. “She met Joe five years ago, and they’ve been inseparable since. It’s nice to see her happy. I know he loves her, and I’ve come to think of him as a dad. What about your family?” Justin sat quietly for a few seconds. “I left home at sixteen, moved in with my grandma. I don’t speak to my parents, and they don’t wish to speak to me. Gram was great though. It was living with her that actually inspired me to become a paramedic. When I moved in, she was getting older, and one day, she fell while I was at school. When I got home, I found a note written by the EMT that they had taken her to Providence. When I found my way over there, all she talked about was how nice that ambulance man was and how he took such good care of her. Knowing that someone was there for her to provide management care for her pain when she was scared was very eye opening. The only thing I truly regret about leaving home was losing my little sister. We were pretty close as kids even though she’s six years younger than me.” “I’m glad you were able to find a stable home, but I’m sorry about your sister. Why did you leave home?” “My parents and I didn’t see eye to eye. They are extremely, almost fanatically, conservative. I just couldn’t be myself in that household. It all worked out in the end. I have a good life, good friends and a great job. Mike is my bus partner. He and I have been riding

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together since I finished school. Great guy but recently went through a very public and nasty split with his partner.” “That sucks. There's nothing worse than everyone knowing your business. It’s the only part of my job I hate. The media scrutiny, while not as bad as some professional sports, can be stifling.” Justin reached out with his leg to find Robert’s again and felt the heat emanating between the layers of cloth. They sat in silence watching each other, slowly drinking their beers. Their legs continued to touch underneath the table. His breath sped up at the way Robert’s eyes burned. The spell was broken when the bartender shouted out last call. Both looked down at their watches and were surprised to see it was almost two in the morning. They had been talking for four hours. Both men finished off their drinks, slowly stood up and walked towards the pub entrance. “I guess this is good night,” Robert said as he opened the door. They stared at each other for a few seconds more before Justin replied, “Good night, Robert.”

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Chapter Four

Two days later, Robert walked into the shop and immediately saw Justin’s ass raised high as he bent inside the hood of the Edsel. The tight pull of his jeans over the rounded muscle moulded his skin like the hands of a lover. Robert wondered if Justin was going commando again. The other night at the pub it was all he could do not to think about watching Justin slide those jeans up his naked hips, knowing that if Robert had the right, he’d unzip him and find warm skin and the thick column of flesh he’d so briefly glanced. He walked over to the car, stuffing his hands in his pockets so he wouldn’t reach out to rub Justin’s lower back. “Anything I can help with?” “Hey! Actually, could you hand me that five-eighths ratchet wrench? I’m trying to attach this fuel line. Couple more days and this baby will be ready to fire up.” Turning his head as Robert handed him the tool, Justin saw the black eye and cut just above Robert’s eyebrow “Ouch! Piss someone off?” “No, my head had a disagreement with James’ foot. It thought my eye looked like a good place to rest, and my head didn’t move fast enough to avoid the collision. The little shit is actually starting to get pretty good. Couple more years and he could be going for the championship instead of me.” He watched as Justin stood up and wiped his hands on a shop towel lying across the fender of the car. Justin palpated the bruise and cut. “Doesn’t feel like anything’s chipped or fractured. Ice pack and ibuprofen should take care of it. Oh and try to avoid another foot for a couple of days.” “Thanks for the sage advice, doc. I’ll see what I can do. Are you almost done here?” “Well, I have to tighten this down then I’m supposed to put the trim on the Gullwing over there.” “Want some help?” “That would be great. I’d actually really like to test that engine sitting on the stand next to the Mercury. It was just delivered for a new project coming in next week. A guy is bringing in a 1974 AMC Gremlin. We’re putting in a three-oh-four that he found,” he said,

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referring to the specific engine that would be used. “Problem is it’s been in storage, and we need to make sure it’s in working order.” “Okay, I’ll go do the trim and you can go play with the engine. You’re already dirty anyway.” Robert smiled as he thought about how dirty he’d like to get Justin. Robert picked up the trim pieces laid out carefully next to the Mercedes. He had never worked on a Gullwing before and was doing everything but drooling in jealousy. The trim pieces required delicate work. It would be easy to chip the paint or scratch the glass on one of the windows if he didn’t pay attention.

Justin kept glancing over at Robert’s powerful frame as he secured the delicate trim pieces to the rare Mercedes. He would have thought large fingers so used to exerting powerful brutality would struggle with such a delicate job, but to the contrary, it seemed they competently did delicate and detailed work, too. It made Justin think about what those fingers could do on his skin. After the fireworks he sensed in the pub the other night, he was becoming desperate to experience their touch in a very personal way. His hand absently massaged the thickening bulge in his jeans. Looking back to his task, he reached down to turn the engine crank by hand to test the movement of the pistons and was startled when a blast of fluid shot from one of the cylinders. “Ah! What the hell?” he shouted. “What did you do? Piss it off?” Robert asked then laughed so hard he doubled over. Justin’s hair, face and shirt were covered in fluid. He wiped his face with a shop towel and looked down at the engine in confusion. “No man, I just turned the crank.” Robert’s laughter still rolled through him, but he was able to gasp out, “Maybe it didn’t like you getting fresh?” Justin looked at Robert scornfully. “Okay, you hyena. It wasn’t that funny.” He started to chuckle. “Besides, I’ve never had complaints before.” By now, his own laughter reached full force.

Robert walked over with a towel and tried to help clean him up. He rubbed the towel over Justin’s head then wiped down Justin’s arms which now had the distinctive red tint of transmission fluid coating them. Robert pushed the strands of hair back from Justin’s face.

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Their eyes caught for a moment before he slid the towel down Justin’s chest. Justin’s nipples hardened and his stomach muscles clenched. Robert swallowed hard before looking back up into brilliant blue eyes. “I think it’s hopeless, man,” Justin said. “Yeah, some things you just can’t fight for long,” Robert said a little breathlessly. The heat he saw in Robert’s eyes absorbed all the oxygen from the room. “All I did was turn the crank to check for compression and got bathed in…” Justin smelled his fingers. “Transmission fluid? Why would there be transmission fluid in the cylinder heads?” Robert cleared his throat before he responded, “You said this engine had been in storage, right?” “Yeah, the guy said for a couple of years. What difference does that make?” “I bet they put it in there so the pistons wouldn’t rust.” “Well, a little warning would have been nice.” Justin continued to wipe down his arms with the towel. “Okay, I give up. Will you lock up down here? I’m going upstairs to take a shower. Come on up when you’re done.”

**** After completing the trim work on the Mercedes and cleaning up the tools in the shop, Robert opened the front door to Justin’s apartment. It was set up like any comfortable bachelor pad, basic comfortable furnishings with a large TV front and centre. It was clean but well lived in. He smiled as he noticed the basket of folded laundry sitting on the island dividing the living room from the kitchen. He sank down onto the sofa and flipped on the TV to channel surf. It was then he picked up the sound from the shower running down the hall. He pictured a wet Justin soaping his body under the spray and had to adjust himself. The shower shut off. The TV still played, but who knew what channel he’d landed on. He watched the hall, hoping to catch a glimpse of towel-clad Justin exiting the bathroom. He heard the door open then saw a flash of white as Justin turned towards what Robert presumed was the bedroom. Then a moment later, he heard footsteps pad back in his

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direction. Justin appeared in the doorway and looked around. He spied the laundry basket and walked over. Picking up a pair of briefs, he turned then stopped when their gazes met. The briefs fell from his hand and landed on the floor. Several heartbeats passed, and Robert stood up. He couldn’t hold back any longer. Walking over he knelt at Justin’s feet and picked up the briefs from the floor. “Are you going to put these on?” Justin looked down at him, but no answer escaped his lips. The towel tented as Justin got hard. Robert ran his tongue across his lips and stared at the still covered bulge. Justin sucked in a breath at the action. Robert looked up and saw the black of Justin’s pupils encompass the chocolate brown as they dilated. He took hold of the front of the towel where it was tucked in at Justin’s hips. The tips of his fingers skimmed over the hard ridges of his abs. The muscles contracted when Justin sucked in a little, letting the towel fall open and slide to the floor. Robert’s hands rubbed across the narrow hips, down the thick, corded thighs and around to finally grab the ass he’d been admiring for days. He leant forward and ran the flat of his tongue from root to tip up Justin’s long, thick cock. “Oh my fucking God!” Justin exclaimed as he threw his head back and grabbed onto the counter’s edge. Robert swirled the tip of his tongue around the head of Justin’s cock and dipped into the slit to gather the clear drop seeping up. His first taste of Justin’s pre-cum exploded across his taste buds. The salty taste had an under essence of sweetness to it. Robert wanted more so he wrapped his lips around the entire head and sank down half the length before pulling back up, hollowing his cheeks with suction. He flicked his tongue over the tip again to gather more of Justin’s flavour then opened his throat as best he could and sank down to the root. “Rob! More. Please,” Justin begged. He liked the sound of his shortened name coming from Justin’s lips. Nobody ever called him anything but ‘Robert’. He moved one of his hands around to cup Justin’s balls. He weighed them in his palm before giving them a little squeeze. Justin groaned as Robert sucked up on his cock while simultaneously pulling down on the sac. Justin spread his legs a little more, giving Robert more room. He rewarded him by taking that hot pulsing column of steel deep once again and used his teeth to put pressure on the base.

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“Oh yeah, Rob. Just like that.” Robert rose up a few inches, held still for a moment then inhaled a deep breath before he slowly lowered, taking Justin’s length to the back of his throat. He swallowed and felt it moved another inch. His hands held Justin’s hips, not letting him thrust as he continued to massage the dick with his throat muscles. Finally, he required air so he moved up. Justin hissed when Robert used his teeth to tenderly nibble at the tender skin. He could tell Justin wanted to move by the little motions of his hips and the groans escaping as he tried to hold back. Robert desperately wanted to feel Justin fuck his mouth. He loved the feel of a hot column of flesh barrelling though his lips and into his throat. Justin had apparently reached the breaking point. “Please Rob…please let me…” Robert slowed his sucking and relinquished his grip on Justin’s hips. Justin reached for the top of his head. His hands rubbed across it and his fingers curled into the scalp. Justin positioned Robert’s head and began to thrust. Robert was in heaven. He curled his hands around Justin’s calves to anchor himself. He tried to breathe in rhythm with Justin’s drives. Robert started moaning and felt his eyes start to roll up into the back of his head. Justin continued to thrust strongly while his hands kept rubbing on Robert’s scalp. Fuck, I never knew how good that would feel. Justin’s legs tightened and his fingers flexed. “Just…fucking…perfect, Rob. I’m gonna come. You gonna take me?” Robert made no move to separate their bodies, and moments later, Justin’s cock jerked and Robert’s tongue was flooded with cum. He let the taste linger before he swallowed. He continued to gently suckle until Justin started to soften. Justin reached under Robert’s arms and pulled him up. Their chests met, and Robert wished nothing more than for his shirt to magically disappear so he could feel skin against skin. Justin’s lips latched on and kissed him hard. Their teeth clashed. Being taller, he grabbed Justin’s bare ass and lifted him so he sat on the counter. Justin’s legs spread and Robert moved between them as they continued to kiss, devouring each other like their last meal. His brain was melting and all he wanted to do was sink inside that damp, hot skin rubbing all over him. Justin grabbed at his shirt, and together, they got it over his head without ripping the fabric. Robert’s dick throbbed painfully. He was so hard.

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Justin pushed Robert away from the counter. He leapt off and continued to stalk Robert in the direction of the sofa. The back of Rob’s legs hit the arm, and he fell backwards onto the cushions. Justin landed on top of him and immediately started kissing those incredible lips again. He crawled forward as Robert scooted back enough so they weren’t hanging over the edge anymore. He straddled Rob’s legs and sat far enough back that he could get to the button and zipper of his jeans. Rob’s erection was clearly outlined as it pushed against the material. Finally getting the closures opened, Justin reached inside. His fingers found the head of Rob’s cock and swept over it. “Oh, Christ. This isn’t going to take long. I’m nearly there. You got me so fucking hot. I loved feeling you fuck my mouth.” Justin worked his hand as far into the clinging denim as he could and wrapped it around Rob’s thick shaft. “Nobody has ever made me come like you did. I’ve never shot that hard in my life.” Rob groaned as his hips thrust up into Justin’s strokes. Justin leaned down over Rob’s chest and tightened his grip on the cock a little more. His other hand spread the material of the jeans far enough away that he had access to the full mouth-watering length. His mouth wandered over bulging pectorals, until he reached Rob’s tight nipples. He nibbled one of the little protrusions with his teeth then sucked strongly, careful not to leave a mark. “Justin…Justin…tighter…faster,” Rob groaned “Please!” He drew the word out as if in benediction. Rob’s breath came in ragged gasps as Justin stroked Rob with an ever-quickening pace. “Come for me, Rob. I wanna see you. I wanna feel you shoot all over my hand. I wanna see it land on your chest so I can lick it up.” With a sharp cry, Rob snapped his hips up and down as he fucked Justin’s hand. He threw his head back, screamed and shot, in ropey streams, spraying his chest. Justin leant down and licked it off just as he’d said he would. After he’d caught his breath, Justin stood and walked over to pick up and don his forgotten briefs. He rummaged in the laundry basket until he found a pair of jersey shorts and T-shirt. Keeping his back turned as he dressed, he gave Rob a moment to put himself back together. He went into the kitchen and grabbed a couple of beers. He popped the caps,

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scooped up Rob’s shirt on the way back to the sofa then handed Rob the shirt and the bottle. “So, I guess we need to talk, huh?” Robert looked over at Justin and with a resigned sigh, said, “I guess you’re wondering why I attacked you.” He rubbed a hand down over his face. Justin smiled. Rob looked like he wanted this conversation as much as he wanted a trip to the guillotine. “Actually, that part I loved. I was thinking that despite all the silent signals we’ve been throwing off since meeting each other, neither one of us said anything about being gay.” After a brief pause, he looked over at Rob. “Or are you bi? Or if not bi, was this just a momentary experimental thing?” Please don’t let this be an impulse. It’s too good. He is too good. “No, not momentary—” Oh thank you. “I’m not here to use you as some sort of sexual science experiment. I’m gay. I always have been. I am not ‘out’ for professional reasons. Could you imagine an openly gay SMA fighter? I don’t even know if they would allow me to fight, and if they did, the other competitors would most likely make sure I didn’t leave the cage in one piece. Mom and Joe know I’m gay. They’re both fine and supportive about my choices. What about you? Are you ‘out’?” “I don’t deny it if someone asks me, but I don’t broadcast my preferences. I figure it’s my business who I want to fuck. When it came to you, regardless of any smoke signals, I thought you were straight and, frankly, didn’t want to be on the receiving end of one of your punches.” “So what now? If we’re throwing our cards on the table, you should know that I haven’t been with anyone in six months, and that was a hand job in a bathroom stall. I know I’m clean because the league tests us for everything before each fight. I’ve never been in any kind of dating situation and, truthfully, don’t know how.” Justin looked over at the man who was such a leader and paragon to legions of SMA fans. However, when it came to personal relationships, he was just as vulnerable as the rest of the lowly human population.

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“I’m clean, too. I get tested twice a year and I haven’t had anything steady for about six months, but I have had casual hook-ups. I’m strict about always using protection, though.” Rob sat at the other end of the couch almost curled into the armrest. His eyes said please don’t let me go, but his body said I’m not ready for this. “Look. There are no rules here. Why don’t we take it one day at a time? The amazing sex aside, I enjoy hanging out with you. I’m not saying I don’t want to continue the sex any chance we get, but I don’t want whatever we have to be based solely on that. Okay?”

Robert smiled and something inside him eased with Justin’s assurances that the sex was as incredible as he’d thought it had been. He’d been a little worried that he’d responded the way he had because it had been so damn long. When he’d heard Justin talk about fucking someone else, something inside his stomach had churned. He knew he had no right, especially since they hadn’t even known each other at the time, but he didn’t like hearing about him being with other men. He didn’t want those images in his head. He wanted to be the one Justin was fucking. He wanted to be the one making Justin scream. That would require some thought later. For now, he’d better quit while he was ahead. “Okay. It’s late. I should be going.” Justin set his beer on the coffee table and crawled over the couch on all fours. Robert found himself with a lapful of man and couldn’t be happier. He loved how Justin was smaller than him but was in no way dainty. The man was ripped from head to toe, but small enough that Robert still felt protective. All thoughts flew from his head as their lips met. This kiss was different from their previous. Their tongues danced and glided around each other’s, lips separated only to meet time after time. Their noses touched and rubbed. It didn’t take long to find the perfect angle for their heads. Justin’s soft lips pressed hard against his. His mouth tasted of beer and an underlying sweetness. Robert never wanted to stop kissing him. It felt good. It felt right. His hands buried themselves in the thick, dark-blond strands, and Justin’s fingers kneaded his shoulders as he slowly ground their cocks together. Robert’s cock started to get hard again and judging by his new lover’s movements his need grew as well. He knew he should stop now or he was liable to flip Justin over and fuck him before another coherent thought could enter his head. He separated their lips and

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wrapped his arms around Justin’s back, pulling his head down onto his shoulder, not willing to totally separate himself yet. Soft lips caressed his neck, and he groaned at the tingling sensation skating up and down his spine. “I really should go. I have to be up at six in the morning to run with James.” “Okay. Then go,” Justin mumbled into Robert’s neck. “I would, but you’re wrapped around me like an octopus,” he said with a chuckle. With a disappointed huff and an adorable pout, Justin pulled back and scooted off his lap. “Fine.” He reached out his hand out. “Come on, I’ll show you out.” Robert stood on his own and stepped around the end of the sofa. “Oh no. If I take your hand, I’m never getting out of here.” He leant down and kissed him on the forehead then spun Justin around towards the hallway and patted his butt. “Off to bed with you, young man. I’ll show myself out.” He turned and left through the front door determined not to look back.

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Chapter Five

Justin walked into the shop after work and noticed Joe over by the Edsel he’d been working on the other night. Strolling up, he poked his head into the opened window. “Hey, Joe. Whatcha doin’?” “Oh good, you made it. We’re just about to break her cherry. It wouldn’t be right if you missed it, considering all the hours you put into this particular girl.” Justin stood back and admired the custom teal-green paint with pearl finish. The massive boat really showed it off well, especially with the white, rear-quarter inset and chrome trim. “She really is beautiful. It’ll be a shame to see her drive off into the sunset, but that’s what so cool about this place…“ He gave a saucy smile and wiggled his eyebrows. “Always new girls to seduce.” Joe laughed. “What would you know about seducing girls?” “Hey! I tried going straight back in high school.“ He gave an all over body shudder. “Until I got to second base with Linda Harvey. Soft, squishy, dangly parts are just not for me. Blech!” He scrunched up his face and stuck out his tongue. “I know I’m going to regret asking this, but you do realise that men have a particular soft, squishy and dangly part, too, right?” He heard Joe gasping for breath he was laughing so hard and decided to egg him on a little further. “Oh my dear man. I’m so sorry. Don’t worry, lots of older guys have that problem. If you take this little blue pill, it’ll make your squishiness go away, and you can enjoy being a real man again.” Joe threw a shop rag at Justin as it was his turn lose control with laughter. “Smart ass punk! I’ll have you know my man bits are just fine. In fact, you can ask Deb this weekend at the barbeque. Unless you’re on duty?” “No, I have the weekend off. What time should I anoint your home with my magnificent presence?”

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“Two o’clock on Sunday.” Joe gave a courtly bow in Justin’s direction. “Your majesty will have to bring his own beer.” “To spend time with my loyal subjects, I think that can be arranged. Now, let’s get this girl turned-on so we can turn her over. Hmm, there’s a thought? I wonder if…” “Justin!” “What? I’m just saying.” “Stop ‘saying’ and start working. I want you to check and make sure all the fluids are topped off. The owner is coming to pick this up in the morning. I want to make sure no little problems pop up when we take her for a test drive.” “Okay, okay. You’re the boss.”

**** Justin reached for a beer out of the cooler on the back deck of Joe and Deb’s house. He was getting ready to pop the cap when a shockingly cold sensation skated down his back. “Oh! Holy fudge, that’s cold!” He turned around and spied Joe laughing and pointing in his direction. “Serves you right, for your little comments the other day. You knew I would get you back some way. I am very, very sneaky.” “Yeah, yeah. The score is tied. Where’s Rob? You did invite your surrogate son to your little shindig, right?” Justin asked while doing a shimmy dance trying to get the offending ice cube off his back. The now mostly melted cube fell to the deck, and he turned around to see Joe staring at him with a funny look on his face. “What?” “I’ve never heard anyone shorten his name before.” Justin shrugged his shoulders. “I called him Rob the other night when he stopped by and helped me on the Edsel. He didn’t correct me so I assumed it was cool. What difference does it make?” “It doesn’t.” Justin watched as Joe walked away. He thought there might have been a little smile on his face. He rewound the conversation in his head, trying to determine if he’d given anything away. According to Rob, Joe knew he was gay, and Joe knew Justin was gay, but Joe did not

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know that Justin knew Rob was gay. Nor should he have any indication of what they had shared last weekend. Damn, this is too much intrigue for a Sunday afternoon barbeque. He slugged back a drink of his beer and went out into the yard to find some less complicated conversation. He walked over to a group of the guys from the garage and discovered that they were talking about the SMA. He heard Rob’s name come up and smiled. “You know he’s scheduled for a big fight coming up in a few months,” he said. “Yeah, I can’t wait to see it. I am so going to TiVo that. The man is stone cold in the ring, but such a nice guy whenever he comes around the shop. Wonder which one is the real Robert Lansing?” Billy, one of the high school interns, said. “Why can’t he be both?” Justin asked. “There’s nothing that says he has to be either a cold hearted son-of-a-bitch or sweeter than your momma’s apple pie. I helped him install a new top on his car a couple of weeks ago and he didn’t mention the SMA stuff once. He even laughed at my stupid jokes.” “Aw Justin, that was just pity. Nice as he may be, even Robert Lansing doesn’t think your jokes are funny.” Mike, a day shifter, said while slapping him on the back. “Oh stop, stop. You are too nice. You’re going to give me a swelled head.” “You just keep any swelling heads of yours away from me. I don’t swing that way. My asshole is a one-way street,” Mike said. The guys laughed and slapped Mike on the back for his clever comment. Justin decided to give a little bit of his own medicine back to him. “It’s okay, buddy. Not everyone is as discriminating as I am when it comes to partners. You’ll eventually find someone willing see your ugly mug on the pillow every morning.”

**** Robert held open the gate to his mom’s backyard for James to walk through with the baby carrier. “Where do you want to set her?” “She’s awake now, so I’ll set the carrier on the deck and lift her out.”

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Robert got Danielle out of her car seat while James went to grab them a couple of drinks. As he turned to scan the yard, his eyes immediately targeted in on Justin talking to a group of guys from the shop. He gave what he hoped was a casual wave. “Who’s that?” James asked, bringing back their drinks. “Guys from Joe’s shop. I recognise a few of them, but there are a couple of new faces. Listen, I want to go see if my mom needs some help getting food ready. Take your daughter.” “Man, I thought that’s what these parties were for…free baby-sitting.” Robert watched as James made googly faces at his daughter and shook his head. The man was totally smitten, and it was endearingly sweet. He went inside and cornered his mom in the kitchen. “Hi, mom. Need any help?” “Hello, dear. You could get the fixings for the salad and toss it together for me.” She gestured absently to the refrigerator. “So have you decided what to do about James?” “Yeah. I’m going to tell him. I trust him to keep quiet, and we’ll just have to make sure we never talk openly about it at the gym or an event.” “That’s good. I know keeping this from him has been hard on you. I understand your reason when you first started working together, but time has moved forward, and I think you need to as well. By the way, Joe and I were wondering the other night, if someone new in your life jumpstarted this change or if it was just general frustration.” Robert rolled his eyes. “Subtle, mom.” She shrugged and smiled. “At the time, there was nobody.” His eyes quickly glanced towards the screen door leading to the backyard. “But that might change. That’s all you’re getting out of me!” Deb picked up the plate of burgers she’d been preparing for the grill and walked towards the door grinning like a Cheshire cat. “I’ll just put these on and be back for the other platter.” A moment later, Robert heard the screen door opening again and said without turning around, “You came for the other plate? I could have carried that out, but you ran away.” He tensed as he heard a much deeper voice than his mother’s behind him. “Actually, I came for you…to tell me where I can get a glass of water.”

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He turned around, and Justin stood just inside the door. He looked so mouthwateringly gorgeous in cargo shorts, T-shirt and flip flops. The sleeves of the shirt stretched tight over his upper arms. His calves, laid bare beneath the edge of the shorts, were chiselled like carved stone. Robert watched as Justin walked forward and stopped directly in front of him. “Can you tell me where to find a glass?” He swallowed and jerked his head backwards. “In the cabinet behind me.” Justin placed on hand on the counter beside Robert’s hip and stretched on his toes. He reached the other into the cabinet, his tight body rubbing against Robert like a cat. “Fuck me,” Robert agonisingly whispered. Justin tilted his head and whispered into Robert’s ear, “No problem. Just tell me when and where.”

He heard Rob growl seconds before his hands clutched at his waist and spun them both around, reversing their positions. His body bowed against the counter top as Rob’s lips covered his own. His hands clasped around Rob’s neck and held on to the back his head. He returned the kiss aggressively. It had been a week since he’d felt Rob’s lips against his own, a week since that large, hard body had pushed into or up against his. His tongue thrust deep only to lick out slowly over and over. Rob’s hands slid from his waist down to cup his ass and lifted him up so their erections rubbed against each other. His hips started to thrust as much as they could. The feel of Rob’s tongue fucking his mouth was the most erotic thing ever. He loved a man who could kiss, a man who loved kissing as much as he did. So often the guys he hooked up with would only give a peck or two before getting down to business, but Justin always thought kissing was the best feeling ever. A truly lost art form. He wanted to wrap his legs around Rob’s waist and just go to town, but thought that might be taking it too far given their location. They were so lost in each other that they didn’t hear the screen door open behind them until someone shouted. “Holy shit!”

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They broke apart, and Rob spun around so fast he almost lost his footing. Standing behind them, with his mouth open wider than the cargo bay doors of a C-130, was a man built much like Rob. He was tall, large and pissed. His mouth snapped shut and he pointed an angry finger at Rob. “You…me…talk…now!” he ordered then stormed off further into the house. Rob ran his hands up over his head and scrubbed his face. He brought his leg back and kicked the baseboard of the cabinetry hard and yelled, “God dammit! Son of a fucking bitch!” He spun around and left the kitchen. Justin watched Rob leave angrily. Shit! He felt bad that Rob had been outed to his friend like that but wasn’t going to take sole responsibility. He might have come on to Rob, but he hadn’t been pushed away. If Rob truly did not want to risk any type of exposure, he could have said so, and Justin would have honoured that with no problem. He didn’t know how much the other man had seen, but there was little doubt that Rob had been an active participant. Not knowing how Rob would play off the incident, he figured leaving was the better part of valour. If Rob wanted to discuss what had happened—or what was going to happen—he knew where to find him.

**** Robert went in search of James. He stopped when he found him in the living room standing with his arms crossed. Tentatively, he stepped into the room. “So…” “Why, Robert? Robert could see both anger and sadness on his friend’s face. And yet, he still went on the defensive. “’Why’ which part? Why did I never explain myself to you or why do I like dick?” James walked right up and got in Robert’s face. “You son of a bitch. You really think I care that you’re gay? After all the times I yammered your ear off about my little brother? About how proud I am that despite all the shit he’s had to put up with, he chose to come out in high school. After all that, you still never said a word!” Robert pushed James back. “I couldn’t say anything! What was I supposed to do? Some day when we’re tangled up on the mat say ‘hey man, watch the accidental gropes. I might

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like it too much’? Or how about if we were in the showers after our workout and I commented on some guy’s naked ass as he walked by?” “Don’t give me that line of bullshit. You are nothing but professional any time we step foot in the gym, but Jesus, Robert, I thought you were my friend? You’ve been to my fucking house on Thanksgiving and Christmas. You’re my daughter’s godfather.” Robert slumped down on the sofa. Clasping his hands together, he hung his head down. “I never meant to hurt you. Lately, I’ve been regretting my decision to stay quiet, at least to you. I had even decided to tell you the truth.” He gave a sheepish smile. “Not quite that way. I still have to stay in the closet when it comes to work. I don’t see any way around that.” He looked up into James eyes. “But it would be nice to talk to my friend if I needed to.” James pulled Robert up off the sofa into a big bear hug. “You fucker.” A moment later, he pulled back, nodded his head and gave a giant smile. “So… Who is he, and how long have you been seeing each other?” “Oh shit! Hold on a second, I’ll be right back.” Robert ran out of the room to see if Justin was still in the kitchen. He wasn’t there, and he wasn’t in the backyard. Walking back to the front of the house, he looked out the window. His car was gone, too. Head hanging, Robert walked back into the living room. He could use that friend now. “He’s gone. Damn, I screwed that one up.” He started pacing around the living room. “I cursed and stormed off. I wasn’t thinking. This wasn’t his fault. I was just as into it as he was.” He heard James chuckle and looked up to see his friend’s eyes twinkle in the mischief making way of his. “Yeah, I could tell. In fact, as an unbiased observer, you two are seriously hot together,” James said. Robert stared at his friend of eight years in shock. What the hell kind of comment was that? He knew James was straight. Hell, he was so straight he could be used as a ruler. “What?” James said. “I can appreciate it from an aesthetic point of view. I experimented in college. Just turns out for me I prefer tits to pecs and pussy to cock.” He watched Robert make another circuit around the sofa. “Look, he probably just took off to get out of the line of fire. Give you time to chill. I’m sure you’ll be able to track him down, and when you do,

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you’ll have incredibly hot make-up sex. But for now, spill it.” He jumped on the sofa like a teenage girl and patted the cushion next to him. Robert shook his head. James could be such a goofball, but he sat down. “His name is Justin. He’s a paramedic who moonlights at Joe’s shop. I met him when I got that new top for the car. He helped me install it. I don’t know if we’re dating, but we’re more than fuckbuddies. Hell, we haven’t even gotten to that part yet.” His cheeks heated at the confession. “Robert and Justin, sitting in a tree. F-U-C-K-I-N-G.” He reached over and smacked James with a pillow from the sofa. “Shut up, dill weed.” The smile left his face, and he wanted to get serious for a second. James must have picked up on his expression because his face did the same. “I like him. I mean he’s fun to hang out with, he’s smart and, yes, hotter than hell.” “Then go get him.”

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Chapter Six

Justin had finished making some popcorn and was about to start a DVD when he heard a knock at his front door. His pulse rate jumped at the thought that it might be Rob. Justin had been hoping that once things calmed down, Rob would come over. The only question that remained was if they would continue to see each other or if Robert would decide that any kind of relationship was too much of a risk. He consoled himself that, if Rob was going to cut them off, it was better he do it now before things went any further. Justin had a feeling it wouldn’t take a very hard push for him to fall. Rob was everything he looked for in a man, but Justin refused to cause him trouble if he wasn’t ready to take the chance. No matter how much Justin might wish. He looked through the peephole and saw Rob standing on the landing of the steps leading up to his apartment. He wiped his damp hands on his jeans and turned the doorknob. “Can I come in?” Robert asked. Justin opened the door in invitation. Rob stepped past him, and their bodies brushed. He sucked in a breath. What is it about Rob that the slightest touch sends me into a tailspin of need? “Can I get you a drink?” he asked trying to play it cool. “No, thanks, I’m good. Can I talk to you…about what happened?” Rob stood there with his hands in his pockets, and Justin was pretty sure the man would have been shuffling his foot had he been a kid. “Sure. I was just waiting for the storm to blow over. I hope you don’t think I’m pissed at you or something. I understand why you reacted the way you did.” He took Rob’s hand and led him over to the sofa. “So who is he?” “That was James, my sparring partner. He… Well, frankly, we shocked the shit out of him, and whether you understood or not, it wasn’t right for me to scream at you like that so I apologise. We had some words, and things were turbulent initially, but then the seas calmed. He was more upset about me never telling him I was gay than about me being gay.”

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Justin listened as Rob told him the sequence of events. During the recitation, he took Rob’s hand again as a sign of support. “I told him that I really like you. That I really want to be with you… if you still want me?” In response, Justin leant forward and wrapped a hand around Rob’s neck to bring their lips together for a long, slow kiss. His mouth travelled up Rob’s jaw to nibble on his ear. “I want you,” he whispered. “I want you right here, right now. I want you to fuck me. I want to fuck you. I want to make you scream with pleasure then beg for more.”

Robert went hard as a rock as he listened to Justin’s whispered desires. “Where’s your bedroom?” They stood up, and Justin led him down the short hallway to his bedroom. The sun was just starting to set so there was enough light coming through the window to see what they were doing. They stopped at the edge of the bed. Justin’s hands tugged Robert’s shirt out of his jeans and lifted it up. Being shorter, it was impossible for him to get the shirt off Robert’s extended arms. So while Robert finished, Justin started placing kisses all over his chest. Those soft, warm lips trailed from his collarbone, to the base of his throat, across to his left nipple where they latched on and pulled. His tongue flicked back and forth over the tip, making it stand out. Robert hissed when Justin’s teeth took a nip out of the tender flesh. They continued their journey downward, tracing the ridges and lines of his stomach. Justin knelt and started to undo his jeans. The material separated, slowly releasing the pressure on his trapped cock. Robert let out a sigh of relief. He flicked off his tennis shoes and stepped on the toes of his socks to get them off. He watched as Justin jerked his jeans down and off. All that kept his leaking cock from Justin’s sweet lips was his boxer briefs. He wanted Justin as nearly naked as he was. He reached down and lifted the man to his feet. “I have every intention of getting your sweet lips around my cock, but first, you need to get these clothes off.” In quick succession, they had Justin stripped. Robert lifted him, tossed him onto the bed then stripped off his own underwear. Before Justin stopped bouncing, Robert was crawling up between his legs. “Let’s see how you like being tortured.”

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He leaned in to kiss those swollen lips. When their naked bodies touched from head to toe for the first time, two moans echoed in the small room. He pushed his hips forward and ground their cocks together. They were nearly the same length, but he was thicker by about half. Justin wrapped his legs around his hips and arched up to meet his thrusts. Feeling Justin move against him skin to skin was wonderful. The silky texture of his skin, flushed with heat, glided seamlessly. Robert pulled his head back and looked down into passion glazed eyes. “Fuck me, please, Rob. I need to feel you inside me.” “We’ll get to that, I promise. For now, I want to explore this incredible body some more. I want to run my tongue over every mouth-watering inch. I love all these muscles on your compact little body.” Justin panted, “Kinda need them for the job. Lifting people onto gurneys is harder than it looks.” He cried out as Robert latched onto his nipple and sucked hard. Robert lifted his head and pinched the hard tips between his thumb and first finger while running his tongue up the centre of Justin’s neck. “Can I mark you?” “Yes! Anywhere below collar. Go to town.” He proceeded to leave small bruises on Justin’s pecs just below the nipples and down his ribs. Justin had very little body hair. He didn’t shave or wax. He was naturally lightly furred. Robert loved the feel of the small tufts rubbing against his waxed chest. He found an especially tender spot where Justin’s hips met the top of his legs as evidenced by another cry escaping. He scooted down the bed so his face met the sac holding Justin’s balls. He sucked one into his mouth and ran his tongue around the delicate orb, pulling just enough for Justin to feel the tug. He repeated the torture to the other side. He flipped his tongue up and used the backside to swipe down the centre of the sac and flick the tip on the soft skin of his perineum. “Oh shit, Rob. God please…please don’t stop.” He had no intention of stopping. He moved down and used the tip of his tongue to circle the tight ring of muscle guarding Justin’s pink hole. He circled until he felt it relax and he was able to slip inside. The musky taste of man greeted him, and he groaned at the pleasure. Using his thumbs he pulled apart the opening so he could burrow deeper.

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Justin growled, “Oh fuck! More… Jesus, yes, lick my ass.” He reached under his thighs and hauled them back to his chest giving Rob more room to work. Robert thrust his tongue in and out of Justin’s asshole, circling inside to loosen the tight muscle further. He felt Justin arch up for a minute then a bottle of Astroglide was held in front of his face. Accepting the gift, Robert clicked open the cap and pushed out a generous amount on his fingers. He used them to spread the lubricant around Justin’s anus then slipped one finger inside. Justin’s hot channel squeezed tight around the digit, and Robert could tell it had been awhile since anyone had breached this scared ground. He moved the one finger in and out until it slid easily to the base. Drawing back, he added more lube and pressed in a second finger, giving Justin a moment to acclimate to the new sensation. Robert moved them in and out, scissoring to separate the tissues inside. Watching his fingers, he desperately wanted to get his cock inside that tight, hot opening, but he refused to hurt Justin because of poor preparation. Justin made needy whimpering sounds as he bore down onto Robert’s hand. Rob knew that feeling. Wanting, seeking and begging for more of the delicious, aching burn. “I think three fingers should stretch you enough for me to stuff my cock inside this sweet little hole,” Robert whispered. Justin gasped as Rob continued to manipulate his fingers deep inside of him, then they crooked up and found his prostate. “Rob!” “Ah, there it is.” Robert thrust his fingers in deep and held them still until he heard the needy little sounds escape again. Then he dragged them back until he encountered the spongy gland and tapped on it. Justin cried out again and trembled.

“Hurry, Rob! Hurry! I need it.” Justin turned his head back and forth on the pillow in ecstasy. Never had it felt like this before. The pull and stretch of Rob’s fingers made him want to clench down to keep them inside his body forever, but he desperately wanted that long, thick cock. A third finger entered Justin’s body and paused. Robert moved up over Justin’s body, braced his other arm to support his weight and looked down. “Tell me you’re ready. I need to fuck you so bad. I’ve never been this hard in my entire life, and if I don’t get inside you as soon as humanly possible, I’m going to blow.”

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“Yes. Fuck me” A few seconds later, he was left empty when Rob withdrew to prepare his cock. His legs were lifted over Rob’s shoulders, and he felt the head of Rob’s cock nudge his stretched hole. He moaned and tried to push down, but Rob had him effectively pinned. Rob’s hips moved forward, and he slowly entered. With the pain came unbelievable pleasure. “Justin,” Rob cried out as he penetrated deeper and deeper until finally his entire length was embraced. “Holy God, you’re burning me alive, and you’re so damn tight.” Justin panted, and his legs curled over the wide, muscled shoulders. He was in heaven. “Move,” he growled. “I want to be fucked. I promise I won’t break.” He pushed up on his forearms and canted his hips so Rob could maximize his movement. When Rob slammed in on his next thrust, Justin’s breath caught. The rich smell of sex filled the room, and Justin arched back and clenched down on Rob’s cock, fucking him in earnest now. “Justin, Just, Juh…” Rob chanted out. He was devilishly pleased that Rob had been reduced to incomplete words. Each progressively faster thrust of Rob’s hips caused his balls to slap skin against skin. He watched the sweat dripping down Rob’s chest and off his head. Justin felt his climax racing down his spine. He wanted Rob to come with him, so he reached up and flicked his nails over Rob’s nipples knowing they were ultra sensitive. The other man cried out. Justin did it again and again. “You keep doing that, and I’m going to shoot,” Rob growled. “You want me to shoot inside this tight little ass of yours? You want me to fill you up?” He punctuated each question with a hard thrust of his hips. The movement caused Justin to slide back further on the bed. He had to brace himself against the headboard to keep from smacking it. This of course gave him the leverage he needed to push back into each slam of Rob’s cock. “I’m going to come, Rob. I want you to come with me. I want to feel you shoot deep inside me.” Rob’s pace picked up even more, if that was possible. His face contorted in agonising pleasure. His hips changed angle just enough to slam right across Justin’s prostate over and over. The sensation caused an arc of pleasure to scream through his entire body.

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“Here it comes…I can’t stop it…oh God…Rob…yes!” Then Justin came, heat and wetness splashing over his chest and abs. He thought a shot might have actually gone over his shoulder, but he couldn’t be sure because he blacked out for a couple of seconds. When he came to, Rob was still pistoning inside him then he froze, and with a shout, the thick cock inside Justin’s burning passage jerked. “You wanted it? You got it,” Rob whispered before moving Justin’s legs around his hips and collapsing onto Justin’s chest. Rob’s weight settled on top of him as they each caught their breath. His cock eventually softening and slip out. They rolled so Justin was now on lying on top, and large strong hands rubbed up and down his heated skin as he rested his head rested on Rob’s chest. “You, okay?” Rob asked. “Yeah, just floating.” The sun had set, and the room was now dark. After several minutes, Justin leant over to the bedside table, flicked on a soft lamp and rummaged in the drawer for a couple of seconds. He retrieved some papers and handed them to Rob. “I know we talked about this the other night, but I wanted to show you proof that I’m safe. These were done two weeks ago.” Rob looked at the papers and set them aside before kissing Justin softly on the lips. “Thank you. I trusted you when you said you were, but thank you anyway.” Justin looked into those laser blue eyes. He’d been wrong earlier. It didn’t take any push. He was already falling, “Would you have trusted anyone, had they told you?” Rob shook his head vehemently “I never would have trusted a hook-up, but I’ve never thought of you as a hook-up. Whatever it is we have between us, you’ve always been more.”

**** Justin was peacefully dozing, using Rob as a human mattress when he felt a sharp smack his butt. He raised his head and glared at Rob for disrupting his euphoria. He pulled himself up the large body beneath him and found himself being soundly kissed. Angling his head, he slipped his tongue into the recesses of Rob’s mouth. Two mouths duelled for several

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minutes. He felt the stirrings of arousal as he rocked against Rob beneath him. In a blindingly fast move, he ended up flat on his back with his arms pinned over his head before anything more could build. Rob spun them around to the edge of the bed and lifted Justin up over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry then walked out into the hallway. “Come on… We need a shower and food before more sex,” Rob said. Justin admired the view of Rob’s muscled back and hard, round ass, so he didn’t protest the manhandling too much. He had never been carried before and enjoyed the sensation. He smiled and thought there were some great benefits to fucking a well-honed professional athlete. Unbelievable stamina and the ability to be flung around with ease being a couple. When he was finally set down, Rob gave him another deep long kiss. God, I love a man who loves to kiss. Rob opened the door and backed Justin into the shower stall. Justin reached behind him to turn on the water and adjust the temperature with the single handle, all without breaking their lip lock. Luckily, he did this in his sleep so often that it didn’t require higher brain function. They soaped and groped each other’s bodies, often stopping for more kisses. Rob washed his hair, another new experience. The sensual head massage relaxed him into near noodle consistency. After drying each other off, they both slipped on a pair of jeans, choosing to forgo any other apparel. Padding barefoot out into the kitchen, he opened the fridge to examine the contents. “Um…yeah. There’s really nothing in here. You want to just order something?” he asked. Rob looked over Justin’s shoulder into the glaring white emptiness Justin called the refrigerator “What do you survive on?” “Hey, I work twelve hour shifts. By the time I get home, I just want to chill. Then I pick up the hours downstairs. Most of my meals are at the firehouse or I grab something on the run.” “Do you cook at the firehouse?” “We all take turns. Mostly the guys make pasta or burgers or pizza. Quick, simple, and fast to eat is the general rule of thumb around there.” Robert frowned with the thought of Justin not taking care of himself. “That is not healthy. You need to eat a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins. I know you

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don’t train like I do, but if you want your body to continue to work for you, it has to be taken care of. Tell you what, I’ll give you some simple, quick and fast to eat balanced meals you can use both here and at the station.” Justin knew Rob was right, but he just hoped these wonder meals didn’t cost and arm and a leg. His food budget was a pretty low priority in his monthly expenses. After paying on his student loans, rent and utilities, there wasn’t much left over for extravagances. He had a credit card, but only used it when he had no choice. But he didn’t want to seem unappreciative, “Sure, sounds great. Thank you.” He leaned up and gave Rob a soft kiss. “For now though, how do we avoid reverting to cannibalism?” Rob grabbed the yellow pages that were sitting on the counter, and showcased them with a flourish. “That is what this great big book is for. How does Vince’s sound? They do a fantastic poached salmon with steamed vegetable dinner, and I’ll even let you get the chicken modiga for your last night of decadent gluttony.” Justin quickly added up what was left in his bank account and when his next paycheque was due. He should be okay. “Sounds delicious. Why don’t you go pick a movie, and I’ll phone in the order.” He watched Rob saunter over to the DVD rack and admired his ass as he bent over to examine each title. He couldn’t wait to get inside it. He wanted so bad to feel the tight heat surround his aching cock. He loved the feel of burrowing into a soft, clinging channel. He had never done it raw and wanted to know what a difference it made being skin against skin. Before that happened though he needed to make sure that they were clear on the rules for this quasirelationship. If there were to be any more barebacking, they would have to be completely exclusive. He was fine with that. Rob was quickly becoming an addiction he didn’t see any cure for. He just didn’t know if Rob was ready for that. He watched as Rob once again bent over. Justin groaned then reached down to adjust his erection. What was I doing again? Oh right, food. He picked up the phone and dialled the restaurant to place the order, giving the woman on the phone his debit card number.

****

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Robert became increasingly fidgety throughout the movie. His mind kept having flashbacks of the explosive sex they’d shared a couple of hours ago. He wanted more. He wanted to feel Justin inside him. Justin had looked so blitzed out on ecstasy as he came. He knew he’d said shower and food before more sex. But they’d done that right? So now it was time for more sex. Not watching giant transforming alien robots try to recover some mystical cube. He was sure the movie was entertaining, but all he noticed was the feel of Justin’s foot occasionally caressing the inside of his thigh as he lounged with his legs spread at the other end of the sofa. He heard Justin laughing at one of the robots talking about a dog lubricating on his foot. The vibrations from that laughter tingled across his skin. It was deep and filled with such fun-loving humour. He wanted to make Justin laugh like that. He wanted to feel that mouth tracing over his skin and whispering dirty words in the dark. The foot travelled slowly from the seam of his crotch to his knee and back. Over and over. His cock hardened. It wanted some of the foot’s attention. He slumped down further, to get the foot in closer contact with his hard-on. The foot must have gotten the idea because it started massaging his balls with its toes. His head fell back and his eyes closed, giving up all pretence of watching the TV. The foot continued to absently play around his cock and balls for several minutes. He reached down and grabbed the foot to press it harder against him. He pushed up with his hips grinding against the arch. The foot’s partner came up to play with the seam of his jeans below his balls. His mouth fell open and his breathing quickened. He silently mouthed ‘more’. His eyes opened to stare sightlessly at the ceiling, all he could process was the feel of the feet massaging and tormenting him. Finally, he’d had all the torment he could tolerate. He stood, grabbed the remote, shut off the TV and threw it back on the sofa. He stared into the molten chocolate of Justin’s eyes for a moment. He saw the erection pushing against the other man’s jeans and watched as Justin unzipped his pants and slowly stroked the flesh hidden beneath. His fist wrapped around the long length and pulled in a deliberately provocative rhythm. Robert’s eyes zeroed in on the display. A new fantasy of watching Justin get himself off from beginning to end popped in his head, but that would have to wait ‘til later. He couldn’t wait any longer to feel

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Justin inside him. He ripped open the zipper of his already unbuttoned jeans, turned away and walked to the bedroom. He had his pants gone and was lying naked on the bed stroking himself when Justin walked in.

Justin stopped at the sight of Rob slowly jacking-off in his bed. Those bright blue eyes had him pinned as effectively as his massive body had earlier. His eyes devoured the sight of Rob’s large hand circled around the base of his erection. The blood-hardened organ flushed dark red. His fist moved up the thick column and a bead of pre-cum glistened on top of the slit. His thumb rubbed over it and used the natural lubrication to ease his way back down. His other hand moved to cup his balls, pulling down and rolling them. He released his balls and traced underneath, taking one finger and without ceremony pushing inside his hole. “Oh holy fuck that’s hot,” Justin whispered. Eventually, he remembered how to use his legs. He crossed over to the bed and shed his jeans. As he moved between Rob’s legs, the other man released his cock. Justin liked seeing those large hands stroking the thick length. A little growl escaped his throat. “Don’t stop. I want to watch you.” He picked up the tube of lube they’d left on the bed earlier and put a dab on the head. The cool gel caused Rob to gasp. Justin had noticed earlier that his crystal blue eyes turned darker the more aroused he became. Right now, they were almost navy. “I want you to keep playing with that incredible cock, and I’m going to amuse myself with this perfect hole.” Justin lubed his fingers. He pushed one inside and was shocked at the tightness of the muscle surrounding him. “Jesus, Rob, how long has it been? You feel like a virgin.” “Huh?” “How long since you’ve been fucked? Your ass is locked down tighter than Fort Knox.” “College, I was in college. Oh God…don’t stop, that feels so…damn…good.” “That was ten years ago! You haven’t had anything in here in ten years?” “Just a small toy on occasion when I jacked off. Couldn’t risk exposure. Occasional anonymous hand jobs or blow jobs in bathroom were limited risk, but a full out fuck partner…” It was then that Justin realised the trust Rob was placing in him by continuing their relationship. He vowed to make this the best experience possible and give everything he had

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to making Rob glad he’d put his trust in him. He continued to move one finger in and out, circling the digit and moving side to side in order to open Rob further. He added a second finger and saw that Rob had stopped stoking himself and was breathing heavy. “You okay?” He used his other hand to rub gentle circles on Rob’s chest. “Yeah, forgot what this feels like. So full and it’s only your fingers. I’m going to pass out when you actually get your cock inside me.” “You want me to stop?” Please say no! “No!” Robert exclaimed, reaching down to prevent Justin from removing his fingers. “I want this. I want you so bad. It’s just…” “I promise to go slow. I won’t hurt you. You feel so good around my fingers. So hot. I can feel your muscles pulling at me, trying to drag me in deeper. You may have forgotten this, but your ass remembers, and it wants more.” Justin leaned over and kissed Rob gently, trying to distract the man from the pressure below so he would loosen up faster. It seemed to be working because the tight clench on his fingers lessened and Rob’s breathing evened out. “There you go. Now that we’ve got you opened up a little, I want to finally taste this thing of beauty currently rubbing into my stomach.” He lowered his head and took long licks up the underside of Rob’s cock. It was so hard it stood tall against Rob’s stomach and was making a puddle of pre-cum in his navel. When Justin reached the top, he lapped it up before going for the source. As he sucked the head between his lips, he spread the two fingers still buried in Rob’s ass. “Ah, fuck!” Rob cried. Justin didn’t know if he wanted to suck or fuck Rob more. He was pretty sure it was anatomically impossible to do both at the same time. He wrapped his tongue around the very tip of Rob’s cock then opening his throat slid down as far as he could. There were still a couple of inches exposed at the bottom. He slowed his breathing and pushed the last amount down his throat as he swallowed. “Oh my fucking God! Fuck me J. I need it now. Don’t wait anymore,” Robert exclaimed, latching onto Justin’s hair.

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As he’d gone down on Rob, he’d used the opportunity of the distraction to push in a third finger. Rob was sufficiently stretched to handle him now without too much discomfort. Justin removed his fingers and grabbed the slick. “I think you should get on all fours. That’ll be easier for you this first time.” Justin shuddered as he lubed up his cock. If he weren’t careful this would be over before it started. He was so primed, his dick actually hurt. Rob moved onto his hands and knees. Justin moved between his legs and clasped his hips. His torso covered Rob’s back, and he placed soft kisses down his spine. His cock slid up and down between Rob’s cheeks, rubbing over the stretched and sensitive hole. “Please J,” Rob pleaded. Justin held the base of his cock and lined up the head with the pulsing ring of stretched muscle. He slowly pushed forward until his entire head disappeared inside. The heat seared the nerve endings of his sensitive tip. He gave Rob a moment to adjust to the invasion, before he moved deeper, inch by inch, making sure that Rob was okay. When he finally bottomed out an eternity later, he sighed in pleasure. “Move J. I want to be fucked. Make me feel you tomorrow.” Justin began to move in and out of the tightest, softest grip his cock had ever experienced. Rob moaned, “Oh...yes.” The low, cry of pleasure sent shivers down Justin’s spine. He thrust slowly. Deep, smooth, penetrating strokes. He angled his hips so the velvet channel dragged across the head of his cock, but avoided Rob’s prostate for now. His eyes closed, his lips opened and gasped for each breath. “Is this what you wanted? Is this what you need?” he demanded. “More…J…I need more.” He reached around and found Rob’s cock. The hard pole leaked with pleasure. He stroked Rob in time with his drives. The rhythm of their bodies was in sync like a perfectly tuned engine. Rob’s greedy ass drew him in deeper and deeper. He pushed back to meet each advance. A bolt of electricity travelled throughout Justin’s body. His fingers tingled on Rob’s hips, his thighs burned as his momentum increased, pounding him harder inside the

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welcoming body in front of him. He swore he could even feel the blood pulsing through his cock. “Lay on your stomach,” he ordered. He helped push Rob down into the position he wanted then he placed his hands flat on the bed just below Rob’s armpits. Opening his legs, he straddled Rob’s hips. From this position, he was able to push down at almost a vertical angle with as much force as possible. On the first stroke, he made direct contact with Rob’s gland.

“Yes!” Robert cried out. Justin kept pushing against his gland again and again. Robert threw his head back, his hands opened and closed on the sheets. He desperately wanted a hand on his cock, but couldn’t reach without disrupting the intense rhythm of their bodies slapping together. Higher and higher he went, Justin’s thrusts making him feel as if he were soaring. Justin’s grunts and moans echoing throughout the room told Robert that he was giving him as much pleasure as he received. It was the biggest turn-on. It made him feel powerful even though he was actually the one being taken. The burn of being filled was intense as was the fullness, but Justin had been right. His ass did remember this, and it wanted everything Justin could give him. Even without a helping hand he felt his climax being pushed through him. Justin’s hips worked furiously. It felt as if with each downward stroke of his hips, Justin forced his orgasm up through his cock. Finally, the tension broke and Robert erupted, his seed geysering out of his body. His ass muscles clamped down, and he heard Justin’s cry as he found his own completion. Eventually, Justin slipped out and fell to bed beside him. Robert was in absolute nirvana. He’d loved topping Justin. Loved the feel of his cock tunnelling in and out of his tight ass, but there was something about giving up control to another person, trusting them to take care of you, trusting them to give you the pleasure you sought. He had never found the perfect balance, until now. He wanted to wrap the smaller man in his arms but couldn’t find the strength to move. Justin must have read his mind, though, because seconds later, he felt the other man envelop him in an all body hug. Soft lips kissed the back of his neck. “I like hearing you call me ‘J’,” Justin mumbled into Rob’s damp skin.

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“I like hearing you call me Rob.” “Will you stay the night? I want to hold you a while longer.” “Yeah, but don’t be surprised if you find me wrapped around you in the morning. I usually wake up clutching my pillows at home.” “Sounds good to me.”

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Chapter Seven

When Justin opened his eyes the next morning, he found Rob’s prediction had come true. They had reversed positions during the night, and he was now being spooned by Rob’s large body. The feeling of being surrounded and held in his embrace was more comforting than he would have expected. He felt protected and secure. Despite knowing he really didn’t need Rob’s protection, it still gave him a warm fuzzy feeling. He buried his nose in the pillow and caught the lingering scent of sex on the sheets. His regularly scheduled morning wood turned into arousal as memories of the previous day flashed through his head. He nestled deeper into the warm body behind him. His butt encountered Rob’s morning erection, and he sighed. He wished he could just manoeuvre himself onto the hard cock nestled so sweetly against him but knew it would be painful to attempt without any preparation. All his wiggling must have woken Rob up because the thick arm banded around his waist tightened. Rob’s voice, still sleepy, grumbled, “Morning.” “Hey,” he returned quietly. “You know this is the first time I’ve ever woken up with another person?” Justin twisted around so they were facing each other, and watched those bright blue eyes blink open for the first time in the morning. He wrapped an arm around Rob’s neck and tilted their foreheads together. “So what’s the verdict?” “Much better being wrapped around you than my pillow.” Justin leant forward to softly kiss the tempting lips only inches from his. His rubbed across Rob’s morning stubble. His hands wrapped around Rob’s neck, clutching at him like he would a life preserver in a storm. The kiss went deeper. Rob stroked his back, the caresses simultaneously arousing and soothing. The lips attached to his were kissing the breath right out of him. “There is another advantage to waking up with someone. Well…someone you care about anyway. Well…okay, someone you’re already having sex with,” Justin stammered between kisses.

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Their legs tangled beneath the sheet, and his hands grappled for purchase on the wide expanse of Rob’s back. “Oh yeah?” Rob moved his head down and nibbled on Justin’s neck. “Uh huh.” His brain was shutting down and his breathing became laboured. He arched his head back so Rob had more room. “You going to tell me?” Rob goaded. “I’d rather show you.” He rolled them over so Rob was on top of him. He loved the feel of the larger man pressing him down into the mattress. Arching his hips up, he ground their stiff cocks together. The already leaking tips assisted in the slide. Rob answered the thrust with one of his own. “Yes, I can see now why waking next to you has this advantage. I get to feel your warm, just slept in skin rubbing against mine. Your scratchy morning beard sends tingles down my spine as it rasps on my neck. But most of all, I get hear you cry my name when you come because I do this…” Rob’s hips thrust down over and over, rubbing their hard cocks together. Justin’s fingers dug into Rob’s back as he lifted his hips. He looked up. Rob’s eyes were open wide. Blue orbs locked on brown. The intensity of their stare sent shock waves coursing through his body. Rob broke the hypnosis when he bent his head, took one of Justin’s nipples between his teeth and bit down hard. “Rob!” Justin exclaimed, coming. His release shot up and covered their stomachs. Seconds later, he felt another hot blast, and the big body above him shook. “Oh J… I wish I could lie here with you all day.” Rob lifted his head and gently brushed back the wisps of hair over Justin’s forehead. “That would be nice. But unfortunately, I have to go to work in—” He looked over at the clock. “Damn twenty minutes. Okay, note to self, allow more time for wake-ups on sleepover nights.” He pushed at the large body still on top of him. “Let me up, hulk. Must shower unless you want me to smell like sex all day long. Not a bad idea, though it might

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give Mike and all our patients the wrong idea.” He winked and wiggled his butt as he walked away. He heard Rob growl and, out of the corner of his eye, saw him leap off the bed, giving chase. Justin screeched and took off for the bathroom at a run. He was caught when Rob’s arms locked around him and pulled him back into his steel hard chest. Rob snarled into Justin’s ear, “Mine. I don’t share.” Justin let his weight relax against Rob and tilted his head to rest on his shoulder. He rubbed his hand down the arms locked around him then lifted Rob’s hand to his lips, kissing the palm. He pried open his human cage and turned around. Stretching up on his toes, he framed Rob’s face between his hands and looked directly those blue eyes that always captivated him. “Neither do I. Not you. Not ever. If that’s a problem, tell me now.” Rob laced their fingers together and pulled them down to his chest. “No problem. I’ve already told you this is a big step for me. I wouldn’t risk it, if I weren’t absolutely sure. I already enjoyed being with you as a friend. Last night, you became my lover, and I think there lays the potential for us to be much more. I know this relationship won’t be easy until I retire. It’s a lot to ask of someone, and I recognise that—” Justin stopped Rob’s speech with a finger to Rob’s lips. “I understand your concerns. I promise to do everything within my power to make you happy you took this chance. Like I said last night, we’ll take this one day at a time.” Rob scooped his hands underneath Justin’s ass and lifted him up. Justin wrapped his legs around the lean hips for balance and crushed their lips together. His world shrank down to the existence of that hard mouth crushing his. He bit at Rob’s lips and licked inside the hot mouth. The tiny bites Rob took out of his lips drove him insane. Justin fused their lips together and ate at the man, like he was his last meal. Something felt different though. Oh good, Christ, he’s still holding me up! Breaking away, he gasped, “Put me down! Are you insane? I’m too heavy for you to be carrying around like this. What if you hurt your back? You have one of the biggest fights of your career in two months!” He squirmed until Rob was forced to release him or they would have both fallen to the floor of the shower.

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“Justin, calm down. It’s true you’re no lightweight, but you’re not that heavy. You only weigh what… a hundred and seventy pounds? I bench press three hundred. You’re compact and tight and you fit perfectly in my arms. I’m going to exploit that whenever possible— especially since we can’t be openly affectionate in public. Now, let’s get you showered and off to work. I have to meet James at the gym in an hour, so I’ll leave with you.”

**** Justin whistled as he entered the firehouse forty-five minutes later. He checked in with the captain and went to find the third shift guys he was relieving. He heard a sarcastic voice behind him. “Nice of you to join us, Floyd.” Looking over his shoulder he saw Manny, his good buddy and an all around smart ass. “I’m only fifteen minutes late. I called the captain, and I know he told you so quit your bitching. Plus it’s the first time in six years I’ve been tardy. Unlike someone I know.” He stared Manny down and raised one eyebrow. “Hey, that was not my fault. My kid was puking, and I swear his head was about to start rotating as if we were in the Exorcist.” “Yeah, Yeah. All you family men have built in sympathy excuses, but us poor single schmucks get endlessly razzed about being a few minutes behind schedule. I ask, is there any justice in this world?” Mike came out into the garage and flung his arm around Justin in solidarity. “Yes Manny. Where is the justice for us poor single schmucks?” “You poor single schmucks get to eat, sleep and fuck whenever and whomever you want. I think that evens out the world karma.” He spun around and exited out the bay doors. “Have a good shift boys.” Justin laughed as he waved. “Bye Manny. Hope your little demons behave themselves.” Oh… little demon children turning into real demons…that’s funny! He was still laughing when Mike dragged him away to do their first inspection of the bus for the shift.

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“What the hell has gotten into you? Wait a minute… You’re laughing, you’re joking around, and you’re walking funny.“ He stared intensely into Justin’s brown eyes. “You got laid last night! More than once, if I guess right?” Justin walked towards the bus, holding up three fingers. Climbing into the rear area, he started checking the supplies. When Mike climbed in, he asked, “So you’re saying I’m normally a grumpy miser?” “Yes, a real Ebenezer Scrooge. So who is he?” Mike picked up the first responder bag and checked the inventory. “The potential love of my life. He’s fun, smart,” he looked over his shoulder at Mike and wiggled his eyebrows, “built and made me see stars.” “We need two more trauma dressings. So does this paragon have a name, occupation and social security number?” Justin marked down the items needed on the checklist and looked up the calibration chart in the log book. “The Celox is low, too, and according to the chart, it’s time to calibrate the ECG and BP monitors. And the answer is yes to all those questions.” “Are you going to tell me?” Mike asked, getting frustrated. Justin tried not to look cagey. “I don’t want to jinx it. If things work out, you know I’ll tell all eventually.” Mike stopped counting IV needles. Justin turned, faced his best friend beside him on the gurney and waited for the inevitable question. “Is he in the closet?” Mike asked, placing his hand on Justin’s shoulder. “Well, yes and no. His parents know, but he can’t come out at work.” Mike released a resigned breath. “Justin… You and I know that it’s hard for some people to be honest about who they are. If they choose to live their life that way, it’s their choice. But he doesn’t have the right to make you go back, after you’ve already fought so hard to become who you are. Doesn’t matter if he is the potential love of your life. It won’t work, I’m telling you. You’ll regret it and come to resent him for it.” “Gee, thanks, Mr. Sunshine. You’re taking this the wrong way. He’s not asking me to go back in the closet. I still don’t deny what I am. It just means that we can’t be open about our real relationship. I’m okay with that. It won’t always be this way. Only for a short while, at the most a couple of years. In the grand scope of things, that’s not long.”

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“If he’s staying quiet because of work, why only a couple of years? Does he know something about winning lottery numbers I’m missing or is he independently wealthy and only working to experience life as a normal human for a short while?” “No nothing like that, but most likely, he’ll be changing jobs. Then it won’t be an issue. Look, I appreciate your concern. I even understand it given your recent experience, but I’m asking you to let this go. As my friend.” “Okay, for now. But if I see this is making you unhappy then the gloves come off.”

**** Justin was underneath a 1973 Triumph Stag putting the finishing touches on the new exhaust when he saw some familiar boots stop by the passenger side door. He didn’t say anything, just waited to see what would happen. “Hey, Joe! This is new, isn’t it?” Rob yelled. Joe poked his head out from the office. “What, the Triumph?” “Yeah. This is beautiful. Rare, too. There were only like twenty-eight hundred of these shipped to the U.S. weren’t there? Looks like it’s in relatively good shape.” Joe walked across the shop to stand beside the new project. “Woman brought it in last week. It’s got good bones, but it’s been sitting for a long time. Needs new wiring, brake and fuel lines, bearings…that sort of thing. Has a few minor cosmetic dings, but we’re just going to smooth them out and repaint. Interior needs new upholstery.” Justin watched as Rob’s boots walked around the car, he stopped on the opposite side at the rear quarter panel right next to his head. He saw Rob squat down to inspect the wheels. “Where the hell is Justin? He’s supposed to be working on a new exhaust for this thing,” Joe asked. He and Rob had told Joe and Deb that they were dating a couple of weeks back. They had pretty much figured it out the day of the barbeque, but it was nice having another safe haven to relax in. It was a no brainer that they would keep the secret. Hell, they’d been doing it for Rob for years. “I haven’t seen him since I came into the shop. I saw his car outside, though. Maybe he went to the bathroom or something,” Rob responded.

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Justin took the opportunity to mess with Rob a little bit. He knew there was nobody else on this side of the shop. Reaching out his hand, he slid it up Rob’s leg to cup his package. He head Rob groan and cover it up with a cough as he kept talking to Joe as if nothing out of the ordinary was going on. “You know, I think I might have seen him walking towards the paint shop.” Rob placed his hand on top of Justin’s and pressed into the touch before he stood. “You want me to go look for him?” “Nah, I’m sure he’s around here somewhere. He knows what needs to be done tonight. Between you and me, Justin is a hard working kid, and he does the best he can on what time he has available, but I’ve got orders coming in left and right. I think what I really need is another full-time guy, but I’m not solvent enough to pay them both. I don’t know what I’m going to do. The kid needs the money and the cheap rent. I hate like hell to put him in a tight spot. Shit, I’m sorry. You don’t need to be hearing this. It’s not right for me to talk behind his back now that you two are friends. I’m taking off. It’s taco night.” A minute passed before Rob challenged, “You sneaky little shit. Gonna come out of there now, so I can retaliate?” Justin pushed himself out from the undercarriage and dusted off his jeans as he stood. He looked around the shop silently before taking and deep breath and releasing a loud sigh. Rob’s hand settled on the small of his back. “Hey, it’ll be okay. We’ll figure something out. Do you really need the extra income? I guess I’ve been figuring that you just liked working on the cars and the extra money was a bonus.” Justin turned around and rubbed his hands up and down his face before massaging his temples. “You’re right. I’ll see how much more Joe wants for the rent then I’ll figure out if I can pick up a night shift at one of the other stations for a while until I can find another parttime job. They won’t let me stay on overtime for long though so I’d better hit the classifieds tomorrow.” Rob took his hand and pulled him into the circle of his arms. “You didn’t answer my question. Is the extra money a necessity or luxury?” “Well, until I get my car and my student loans paid off, I really need it. I still have one more year of payments on the car and two more years on the loans. After that, I’ll probably

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be able to make do. It just depends on how much more Joe wants for rent.” At Rob’s confused look, he added, “That was part of our deal. He would give me a reduced price on the apartment if I worked down here part-time. If I’m not working here, it only makes sense that he would charge me the normal amount for that much square footage. Believe me, it doesn’t look like much, but for the space I have up there, I could be paying four times what Joe is charging me.” “I don’t understand, shouldn’t you be able to make your student loan payments long term, like twenty-five years? That’s the way mine were.” Justin was glad he’d finished the installation before Joe and Rob had started talking. All they had to do was attach the stainless steel tips that would show beneath the bumper tomorrow. He wanted to get out of the shop for the night, so they locked up and headed upstairs to the apartment. Each grabbing a beer, they crashed on the sofa. He figured it was time he told Rob the whole story of why he left home. “I guess it would make more sense if I told you why I had to fund my education the way I did, before I tell you how. I mentioned that I left home because I felt like I couldn’t be my own person in that house. What I didn’t say at the time was that my parents disowned me when I came out to them. Well, I didn’t so much as come out as get caught in a way. I told you my parents are fanatical conservatives, but I guess a better description would be extremely fundamental Christians.” Justin explained that in the house where he’d grown up, his mother had been little more than chattel to her husband’s dictates, how he was made to memorise verses of the bible and would be tested randomly by his father. If he got the passage wrong he would be punished with beatings by his father’s belt. The topic of homosexuality was forbidden to be spoken of inside the house. “One day, I was a friend’s house after school studying for our midterm exams. His parents and mine went to the same church, so it was an acceptable friendship. We were goofing around when we started to tussle on the floor. I ended up getting hard. I knew I was turned-on but tried to play it off like a natural reaction. I was sixteen. A stiff breeze could make me throw wood. Anyway…he told his parents, who told my parents. When I came home from school the next day they were waiting for me in the dining room. They

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confronted me, and I tried the same tactic of nonchalance, but my father said that if I was a true Christian I would be able to suppress any physical reaction through prayer.” Justin stopped talking for a moment, the memories of that horrible evening too much. He got up from the sofa and walked over to the window. Looking out into the night sky, without seeing a single star, his mind travelled back in time. “My father took me upstairs to my room. He closed the door. Told me to assume the position. With my pants and underwear around my ankles I knelt on the floor and bent over the edge of my bed. He came up behind me and ripped my shirt, exposing my back. He asked me if I found men attractive, if I fantasised about sex, if I ever masturbated. Each time I answered ‘no’, I was reminded of a situation where he felt he had proof otherwise and I received five lashes of his belt. I was reminded of the teachings. A good Christian would not seek physical pleasure. Sex was a tool for procreation. Above all any sexual stimulation or act triggered or conducted with a person of the same sex constituted a violation of the sacred laws of the church and, therefore, were punishable by excommunication. According to my father, the tale of my deviancy was being spread around the congregation that evening at prayer group. He said it was his responsibility to set an example that such things would not be made light of.” He felt the tears pool in his eyes but refused wipe them away. “I don’t know how many times he hit me that night. I eventually passed out. When I came to, I was naked and laying in the grass at a park around the corner from the house. There was a note taped to my chest. It said ‘you entered this world without a single possession, and we send you out with the same’.” He took a deep breath, knowing it was easier to say it all and be done with it. “I walked to my grandmother’s house that night, after stealing a pair of jeans off a laundry line. She lived on the other side of town. She had cut all ties with my mom years before so I figured it was my best and only option at the time. It took me a couple of weeks to heal physically. I struggled emotionally for over a year. I couldn’t rid myself of the guilt— guilt for letting my parents down, guilt for feeling immoral desires and guilt for becoming a burden on an old woman who should be enjoying her last years without drama. The turning point was when my grandmother fell. I met the EMT who had taken care of her. He started me not only on the path to my chosen profession but helped me understand that being gay was not a deviancy. It was how God made me. If I believed God truly is omnipotent, then

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why fight the beauty of his creation.” He finally turned around and looked up into Rob’s face. “That EMT was Mike.”

Robert had never experienced such rage as he felt towards Justin’s parents. Their actions were without conscience. To treat another human being with such abuse and contempt, let alone their child, sickened him. How could they not see what a beautiful person their son was? He couldn’t sit still any longer. He walked to where Justin stood and slowly wrapped his arms around his love. And he did love. There was no doubt about that in his mind. For someone to experience and be taught such vile hate and intolerance from the cradle yet grow into a loving, giving and complete man was not only a testament to Justin’s inner strength but, in many ways, a miracle of its own. He could tell that Justin was exhausted. They shut off all the lights and locked the door. He led him to the bedroom and, silently, stripped him. He pulled back the covers, and Justin climbed in. Robert undressed then joined him in the safe haven created by the sheltering covers. It wasn’t often that he slept over, but there was no way he would leave Justin alone that night. He gathered his love in his arms and cocooned him in safety. He vowed that Justin would never again experience pain like that again.

**** The next morning, Justin sat at the kitchen counter drinking his coffee when Rob came in to blend up one of his protein smoothies. Personally, he thought the things were nasty, but to each his own. He would stick with caffeinated arsenic. When the blender finally shut off, Rob said, “So you never did finish telling me about the student loan situation.” Looking up from the paper, Justin watched as a dribble of smoothie landed on Rob’s chin and he wanted to get up and lick it off. They hadn’t made love last night with everything else, and he was twitchy. Despite being horny, it meant the world to him that Rob had stayed the night before. Justin had slept warm and safe in his arms the entire night. “Yeah, I kinda got off track, didn’t I? It’s nothing dramatic, but basically I got my EMTbasic certification right out of high school. You’re required to have work experience before

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applying to a paramedic programme. So I started working at one of the private companies. When I had enough time accrued, I went for my associate’s degree. Problem was I couldn’t get federal student loans because, even though I hadn’t lived at home for eight years, I was under twenty-five and therefore they looked at my parents’ income. They made too much, so I couldn’t get federal funding. I had to go through a private loan company. The loan works basically the same way as when you finance a car. You have a certain number of years to pay it off at a specific interest rate. I had five years to pay down the loan at four percent interest. My original loan amount was for twenty-five thousand dollars.” “How long do you have left on the loan?” “Two years. After I have my car paid off, I’ll have some more head room at the end of the month, but until then, things are pretty tight.” “Okay. So we need to find you another job where you can make an extra…what five hundred a month? You need to work evenings and not exhaust yourself to the point of hospitalisation, right?” “Yeah, that should do it,” he figured after a moment. “I’ll put my ear to the ground and see if anyone’s talking. You know I would offer to help you out, but I have the feeling you would turn me down,” Rob said, smiling. Justin got off the stool and gave into the temptation to lick the small spot on Rob’s chin. He kissed him softly on the lips and wrapped his arms around the man he loved. “I appreciate the un-offer, but you’re right. Besides it’s not like you’re swimming in cash, anyway. You have your own expenses, and I’m sure training time is expensive.” “Sweetheart, that’s what sponsors are for. For my own expenses, I rent a small house. I have no credit card debt, the only thing I pay on my car is for projects like the top, and my student loans were paid off last year.” “Yeah, but your only source of income is if you win a fight, which I know you do on a regular basis, but it’s not like getting a paycheque twice a month.” “True, but I brought home a hundred and forty thousand, last year.” He gave Justin an Eskimo kiss. Justin’s mouth must have looked like a Venus flytrap. He had no idea Rob made that kind of money. “So…what you’re saying is you’re a good catch.” “I’m a very good catch. You don’t plan on throwing me back, do you?” he said, smiling.

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“Can I mount you on my wall?” Justin snickered. “Baby, you can mount me anywhere you want.” They were both still laughing as they walked out the door.

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Chapter Eight

“So you have a date with Mr. Perfect tonight?” Mike asked from the passenger seat of the bus. They had just stopped for dinner at a restaurant. Call ahead ordering was the greatest invention in Justin’s opinion. They could place their order ahead of time then grab an open table or take it to a park nearby. Plus it got them away from fast food joints. He had really been making an effort to eat more balanced meals since Rob had chastised him for his diet habits. He had even dropped a few pounds. “Actually, I was planning on going to observe this new gym I’m thinking of joining.” He forked another piece of steamed broccoli in his mouth. “It specialises in mixed martial arts. I want to change up my workout routine a little bit and thought that might be a good way. They offer different types of classes at all experience levels.” In actuality, he was going to watch Rob train, but he couldn’t tell Mike that. Plus the excuse did sound believable, and when he really thought on it wasn’t a bad idea to put into reality. “Huh? That would probably work for you, since you’re obsessed with all that SMA stuff.” Mike waved his hands around like fake karate moves. Justin was laughing at how ridiculous Mike looked. “Where did you learn your moves? The Karate Kid movies? Besides, I’m not obsessed. I’m an avid appreciator with a thorough knowledge base.” “Like I said, obsessed,” Mike said, rolling his eyes. “Do you think I could tag along? I definitely need to get back to a gym. Since the whole thing with Trevor, I’ve really slacked off.” He lifted his shirt, showing Justin his stomach. “Oh yes, I can see. You’ve turned into a complete marshmallow.” The abs were still ripped into a tight six pack. “If you want to come, it’s fine with me. I didn’t think you liked that stuff though. If I remember correctly, you said it was theatrical and overrated.” “Well, that pay-per-view stuff, sure. But I still respect the discipline and challenge of real martial arts. Besides you know what they say about old dogs.”

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“They like to sniff each other’s butts? Hey!” He snapped his fingers. “That might get you a new boyfriend. Good idea, buddy.” “Smartass.” As Mike got up from the table, he smacked Justin upside the back of his head. “Better a smartass than an ass that smarts. On second thought…” Justin chuckled then got up to throw away his take away container.

**** They walked into the gym, and Justin was immediately assailed by the scent of sweat and rubber from the mats. The place was divided up into several sections. The main centre area of the gym was a large open mat. Currently, there were multiple partners practicing boxing and other martial arts moves. It looked as if they were just warming up or doing individual lessons because there was no single instructor with the group. There was an area with ropes for climbing and gymnastic rings to work on upper body strength. Justin watched as a man was working up the rope while holding his legs out in front of him. Holy Crap. That looks really hard. Maybe, I’m not ready for this stuff after all. Cardio and weightlifting equipment in another corner, and finally, the last corner was set up with ropes like a boxing ring. Some of the walls had mirrors on them so the students could examine their forms. He hadn’t seen any sign of Rob yet. Wonder where he’s at? He said he’d be here all afternoon. Justin walked up to the front desk and asked the attendant where he could find someone to talk to about classes they offered as well as a membership. As he turned his head, he caught sight of Rob out of the corner of his eye. He was settling into a series of bench presses on the weight equipment. All his muscles bulged in a drooltastic display. Justin made sure he wasn’t staring. He caught Rob’s gaze in the mirror as Rob sat up from finishing his last set. Rob gave a casual wave in his direction. “You know that guy?” Mike asked. “Yeah, he’s actually the one who told me about this place. You don’t recognise him?” Mike stared for a moment but couldn’t seem to place the face in question. “Should I?”

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“That’s Robert Lansing, one of SMA’s top contenders. He also happens to be Joe’s stepson. We met at the shop. I mentioned that I was a fan, and he told me this is where he trains.” “Really? Here? I would have figured he’d have fancy trainers and a private gym and all that.” Justin just shrugged his shoulders. “I guess whatever works.” He was prevented from saying anything further when they were introduced to Troy, one of the instructors. “It’s nice to meet you guys. What brought you here today?” he inquired. “I was interested in changing up my workout. I’m a big fan of the SMA and noticed you advertise a cross-training programme that combines a variety of disciplines with cardio, and weightlifting. However, I’m not interested in competing or anything. I just want a more rounded exercise programme.” Troy escorted them around the different areas and explained the general purpose behind each of them. “You’ll appreciate this being an SMA fan.” He gestured to Robert over on the weight equipment to join them. “Robert, I’d like you to meet two potential new members. This is Justin Floyd and Mike Cartman. Justin has expressed interest in the crosstraining programme.”

Robert held out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mike.” Moving to shake Justin’s hand, he made sure to covertly caress his fingers down the centre of Justin’s palm as he released the shake. He smiled inwardly when he saw a tiny shiver travel down Justin’s frame. “Justin…good to see you again. I’m glad you decided to check the place out.” “You’ve already met?” Troy asked. “Yeah, Justin works for my stepdad. You have me to thank for the referral. I told him the place doesn’t look like much, it smells, your body will feel like it’s been put through a meat grinder after the workouts, but it made me into what I’ve become.” He slung his arm around Troy and smiled widely. “I guess he decided to check the place out anyway.” Troy rolled his eyes. “Pay no attention to the man with the dreadful sarcastic wit. We’re just about to start an advanced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class, if you would like to observe.”

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“That would be great, thanks,” Justin said. Robert watched as Justin and Mike walked over to the viewing area and took a seat. They appeared to discuss something for a moment then Mike stood and left. So that’s Mike? He moved over to do some squats. He saw Justin walking back towards him and when he arrived in front of him, Robert asked, “So what do you think of the place?” “Well, it’s definitely not the YMCA. I can see the appeal, but to be honest, I’m a little intimidated. I have no background in this stuff.” He gestured for Justin to spot him on the next set of lifts. “Hey, that’s fine. There are members of all levels here. If you’re serious about taking on the cross programme, you’ll get a kick-ass workout. I even helped them design it. Plus the added bonus is you’re not tethered to a machine. It’s raw, bare bones, down and dirty.” He looked around for a moment before quietly asking, “Did you really want to sign up, or was this all for Mike’s benefit?” He moved over and started doing bicep curls. “He cornered me at dinner and asked what I was doing tonight. I told him I was coming here to check the place out, and it did start out as a show. Now, I’m actually intrigued. I may sign up. The dues can’t be more than what I’m paying at my gym now.” He leered at Rob and lowered his voice so only the two of them could hear. “Do you have any idea how fucking hot you look all pumped out? I swear to God I’m going to jump your bones the first moment I get you alone.” “Don’t look at me like that,” Robert growled. “You’ll make me hard, and these shorts keep no secrets. If we truly were alone, I would shove you in the equipment room and fuck you silly.” He put the dumbbell on the rack next to where Justin stood and grazed his ass, hiding the caress from the rest of the gym with his body.

Troy came over a moment later and told Rob that his sparring partner was ready. He said goodbye and watched as he walked over to the roped off area. He and Troy went back over to the viewing area. “So why did Mike take off?” Troy asked. “He came out of curiosity, but I don’t think he was ready to change his routine. I, on the other hand, am excited to give it a shot. To be honest, I’m a little star struck at meeting Robert

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Lansing.” He aimed for a depreciating smile. “I’ve seen him a few times at Joe’s, and he seems as if he’s a normal guy.” Troy laughed. “Yeah, that’s Robert. One of the biggest success stories in the sport and still has very little ego. He’s a local, you know? Grew up here and everything. I figured when he started really winning on the pro circuit several years ago, he would take off for greener pastures, but he stayed true to his roots. At least, he lets me exploit him to potential new members.” A few minutes later, the class began, and Justin really was riveted. He knew this was an advanced class, and it took a lot of work to get that good, but he had to admit it looked like a lot of fun. He kept checking out Rob from the corner of his eye. He and another man, not James, were doing some serious moves. It was amazing how fast his reflexes were. It was clear that he was trying to think two steps ahead of his opponent. Justin gave up all pretence of watching the class and wandered over closer to Rob. They had started out with what looked like kickboxing moves, but now they switched to Jiu-Jitsu, like what the class was doing but on a whole other level. It was amazing how quickly Rob was able to get his partner into a submission hold, over and over again. Suddenly, Justin heard a painful scream behind him. He went into rescue mode and took off to the centre mat. Coming upon a man grasping his knee and writhing on the floor, he knelt and looked at the man standing next to him. “What happened?” Justin asked. “He was doing a sweep kick when his standing leg twisted beneath him and he fell.” He suspected an injury to the ACL or anterior cruciate ligament. He quickly got the man to stop moving around on the floor and asked if they had a first response bag on the premises. Once somebody had delivered it, he was able to stabilise the knee. He recommended that someone take the injured man to the ER. The room had basically gone silent when the man had gone down, but now people were going back to their workouts. Troy helped clean up the supplies then pulled Justin to the side. “Are you a doctor or something?” Shaking his head, Justin said, “Paramedic. It looked like an ACL injury, but the ER will be able to determine a diagnosis.”

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“You don’t by any chance need a job do you? We’ve been looking to add a medic to the staff for situations like this, but haven’t been able to find someone with the right qualifications. It would only be part-time. Most of our serious athletes are here in the evenings, and that’s when things are mostly likely to go wrong.” “Actually, I found out yesterday that my current moonlighting position is going to be cut so as long as the hours and pay work out, it sounds like a great opportunity.” “Fantastic. I’ll contact you with the details tomorrow. You know one of the main benefits of being employed here is free workouts.” I can think of an even better benefit.

**** It was Justin’s first night on the job at the gym. He was introduced to the rest of the staff and shown where all the equipment was stored. In addition to being the on-call medic, he would also do general set-up for classes and personal training sessions and equipment maintenance. The night flew by, and in short time, it was lockdown. He had agreed to close the place on the nights he worked there to give Troy a break. With everyone gone, he locked the doors then carried the equipment to the storage closet. He heard the locker room door open and close. He was bending over putting some padding away when he heard the storage room door close and a large body came up behind him. A pair of hands grabbed his hips and a hard cock thrust against his ass. “Now, what’s a nice guy like you doing in a place like this?” The deep voice above him punctuated the question with another shove of his hips. Justin pushed back and rubbed on the hard cock that filled the shorts behind him. “Funny you should ask. It’s actually one of my favourite spots to be in.” He was lifted up, forcefully turned around then shoved up against the wall by the shelves. Warm, strong lips slammed down on his and a wickedly talented tongue plundered his mouth. Hands grappled for his shirt and dragged it up over his head. He wore track pants, so they were quickly shoved down. A large warm hand grasped his cock and started to pull in a hard rhythm. He cried out at the feeling of being jacked-off in the dark room. His

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hands scrambled for his assailant’s shirt and shoved it up beneath his arms. His lips attached themselves to nipples right at mouth level. “This is going to be fast and dirty,” the disembodied voice growled. There was an exercise ball sitting next to his feet. Justin stripped off his pants entirely and turned around to latch onto the wide shoulders above him. Hands moulded to his ass and lifted him up pushing him against the ball that was placed up against the wall. Wrapping his legs around the lean hips, he felt the massive erection, already damp, glancing off his hole. “Do you have any slick?” he asked. Two fingers were shoved into his mouth, and he slurped up and down, getting them as wet as possible. When his saliva coated the digits, they reached behind him and speared into his opening. The burn of the invasion sent a spike of pleasure through his body. “Oh shit!” The fingers started scissoring him open. “Enough…fuck me. Make it burn.” The cock was held still to line up with his hole and then it started pushing in. Slowly at first, but then once a couple of inches were secured inside, the rest of the length was shoved up in one fast move. The mouth moving roughly over his trapped the scream that tried to escape with the rough invasion. His legs locked tight around the lean hips thrusting against him. The ball behind him added support and bounce so he was able to push down at the same speed as the cock driving up into him. It seemed like they’d just gotten started when he threw his head back and cut off his roar of ecstasy by biting down on his lip hard. Cum shot out of his cock with such force that he felt some hit his chin. Seconds later, he was joined in climax. “Dear God…” Harsh panting breaths filled the small space. “That was fucking incredible, J. Do you have any idea how crazy it made me to see you all night and not be able to touch you? I couldn’t even talk to you because I was afraid I would throw you to the mat and fuck you right there.” Rob helped him find his feet, and they straightened their clothing. Justin collapsed onto the ball that had been supporting his back. Rob knelt at his feet and placed his head in his lap. Justin rubbed his hand across the top. He felt the fine soft hairs that escaped the shaver rub across his palm. “I love you,” they said simultaneously.

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Chapter Nine

Justin locked the door as the last member exited the gym. He sauntered into the utility room, picked up a basket of freshly laundered towels and headed for the locker room. Pushing open the door, he heard a shower turn on. He walked between two rows and looked around the end. His feet were cemented to the floor, and his eyes targeted as if a laser beam at the sight of Rob in the shower. It was a teenage fantasy come to life. Time seemed to slow as Rob tilted back his head and let the shower fall over his face. His arms came up to smooth over the top of his head causing his biceps to bulge and his chest to expand. Some of the stream fell into his mouth as he lifted his head and shook off the excess water. He reached back and dispensed some cleanser into his palms and built up the lather. His hands soaped his chest in circles, rivulets of suds falling down his abs. When he started bathing his cock and balls, Justin whimpered. His own cock was harder than a spike at the erotic sight before him. The towels fell on the bench beside him when Rob turned around and presented his back and ass. Before he realised what he was doing, Justin stripped and walked towards the water god before him. He grabbed some soap from a dispenser on the wall and lathering it up in his hands as he stepped up behind Rob. Standing as close as possible, he glided his hands up the sculpted back. They smoothed over the rock-hard shoulders then travelled up the length of Rob’s neck to the top of his head. He rubbed over the crown, massaging his scalp for a few moments. He moved back down, gripped his ears and pulled in slow circles. His thumbs pressed into the tendons of Rob’s neck, and he heard a sigh of pleasure as he dug into the trapezius connecting the neck to upper back and shoulders. Continuing down Rob’s spine, he once again used his palms to massage the latissimus dorsi of his lower back. “That feels so good, sweetheart,” Robert moaned. Justin continued his bathing and massaging. He gripped the wide expanse of Rob’s shoulders and worked the tight muscles there for a few moments. By now, Rob was leaning forward on the wall in front of him. He kept grinding against Justin’s erection. Taking the not so subtle hint, Justin slid his hands down to Rob’s ass and started massaging the tight, round

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globes. He got more soap on his hands and reached around to the front of Rob’s body to find his cock rock hard. He wrapped one hand around and fondled it in long, slow strokes. His other hand played with Rob’s crack, one finger circling the tight ring of his anus. It dipped inside only to pull back then circle once again. Teasing and taunting, he gave Rob a taste of the pleasure he could have. “Please, J…I need you.” He rinsed the soap off Rob’s back and ass then looked around for something to use as lube. He spied a bottle of hand lotion on the ledge next to them. Reaching up, he adjusted the angle of the shower head so it didn’t fall directly on them.

Robert felt two of Justin’s fingers breach him. The welcoming burn only tempered by lotion Justin used for lubrication. The hand around his cock moved down to cup his balls. Justin rolled the heavy globes in his palm. Kisses were placed all along Robert’s spine. He was desperate to feel Justin’s cock inside him. He needed the pressure, the fullness. He needed to feel that connection to his love. He needed it now! “Hurry, J…hurry,” he begged. The two fingers quickly became three. Justin’s free arm wrapped around Robert’s chest to hold him in place. The other released his cock for moment. Robert moaned at the loss of the touch, but then the head of Justin’s cock pressed against his ring. “You tell me to stop if I hurt you. You hear me? I will not cause you unnecessary pain because we don’t have the right stuff.” “I need it, J. I don’t care about a little pain. Fill me…fuck me.” The head of Justin’s cock popped through the first layer of muscle, Robert’s hips held prisoner by Justin’s tight grip. After a few seconds, the head started moving deeper into his body. It seemed as though he felt the individual tissues separating and welcoming the intruder. He abandoned the outside world and imagined being inside his body, being inside his own channel as it was invaded so slowly. He saw the steel hard column moving deeper towards him. He opened himself in welcome. The shaft slid over him and the rub and glide caused his nerve endings to excite. He sent signals of pleasure to the brain. As quickly as the shaft appeared it was gone. Please come back.

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Then it once again slid through him. Yes! Each time the shaft appeared, he squeezed himself around it, wanting to milk it for all the sensations possible. His nerve endings went crazy, unable to keep up with the signals of pleasure he sent to the brain. Something was happening. Something strong. He was no longer in control. The brain had taken over. The shaft moved furiously now, in and out so fast he couldn’t keep up. He opened himself to the experience. All he could do was accept the invader. He vibrated, all his fibres taut. In a flash, the brain commanded him to clench as tightly as possible around the shaft, holding it place, and he felt a rush of endorphins flood him. Hot spurts of liquid shot out of the tip of the shaft, the thick cream soothing the burn.

Still struggling to separate his mind from his body, he vaguely heard Justin’s cries as he came. He felt Justin’s body fall against his back and kept his arms braced on the wall in front of him to hold them up. His legs felt like wet noodles, the pleasure still coursing through him making his muscles go lax. “Rob? Rob? Rob! Are you okay?” He couldn’t command his vocal cords, so he nodded. That had been the most all encompassing orgasm of his life. He wanted nothing more than to just lie down and wrap himself around Justin. Eventually, they separated, and he turned to face his love. Taking the beloved face in his hands, he leaned down and kissed those sweet lips. Slowly, he brushed back and forth as both of them opened. His arms tightened around Justin’s body bringing him firmly against him. His hands slid to the small of Justin’s back and lower to cup the most perfect bubble butt he had ever seen or felt. He pulled back and licked across his lower lip. Justin’s hand cradled the back of his head. He continued to lick and nip at the succulent pads of flesh. His mouth nipped at the base of Justin’s neck. He sucked the tender skin, over Justin’s rapidly beating pulse, into his mouth and bathed it with his tongue. He heard whimpering sounds escape from the loving torment he bestowed on the sensitive spot. Justin’s head tilted in invitation, and his hands clutched Robert’s arms. Robert straightened Justin’s head and sealed their lips together, thrusting into the opened mouth.

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He licked the roof and twisted his tongue around its mate. Long minutes later, they finally separated.

Justin was in a complete daze. The sex had been tremendous. He had never felt Rob respond like that before. The primal yell that had been released as Rob came had triggered Justin’s own climax. The sweetly passionate kisses were such a flip from the earthy mating that his brain couldn’t keep up. All he knew for sure was that he wanted to sleep in Rob’s arms that night. “Stay with me tonight?” he appealed.

**** Justin rolled over to slap at the annoying ring coming from the side of the bed. Instead of encountering the alarm clock, he found the warm skin of Rob’s hard chest. He groaned and turned his head to nuzzle into the large body next to him. “Make it stop. Hit the snooze,” he mumbled into the chest. He could have sworn they’d only fallen asleep minutes before. “That’s not the alarm, baby. It’s the phone. Pick it up.” Robert rolled to his side and wrapped his arms around Justin. “It’s on your side.” He heard Rob groan when he rolled away enough to grab the phone off the cradle and hand it to him. Fumbling for the button with his eyes still closed half asleep, Justin finally found the talk button. “’Lo?” “Justin?” “Yeah, who’s this?” “I’m sorry I must have woken you up. It’s Kelly.” His sleep fuddled mind tried to remember a Kelly, but couldn’t picture anyone. “Kelly? Kelly who? The only Kelly I know is—” He bolted up in bed, wide awake. “Holy shit! Kelly? Is that really you?” “What’s wrong, J?” Rob whispered, rubbing soothing circles on Justin’s back.

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“Yeah, it’s me. I’m sorry for calling so late. If you want, I can call back later,” Kelly said softly. “No!” he yelled. Then realising he’d shouted lowered his voice “It’s okay.” He reached for Rob’s hand and squeezed tight. Tears sprang to his eyes, and he tried to calm his rapid breathing. “I’m just in shock. What…why…how?” “I found your number through the internet. I…I was hoping we could get together.” “Kell, you know I’d love to, but what about your mother and father?” He no longer thought of that man and woman as his parents. “You don’t need to worry about that. They’re no longer a part of my life. I’ll explain everything, but I’d rather do so in person.“ “Absolutely how about tomorrow? We can meet for dinner at Maggio’s. Do you know where that is? Do you need a ride? Where are you staying?” He knew he fired off the questions to quickly for her to answer, but he couldn’t seem to help himself. He saw Rob sit up and lean against the headboard. Their hands were still clasped, and Justin didn’t want to let go. He needed Rob’s solid presence to act as an anchor right now. “I’ve been staying with a friend for the last few weeks. I live here now, in Portland. My friend will give me directions, and I have a car. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow. I’m sorry I called so late. I’ve been really nervous and decided to bite the bullet and dial but didn’t look at the clock first,” Kelly said. “Believe me, Kell, this is one phone call I didn’t mind waking up for. See you tomorrow.” When he pushed the ‘End’ button on the phone, he released a pent up breath. His body started to tremble and tears slid down his cheeks. Rob’s arms came around him, pulled him back down onto the bed and tucked him into his side. Rob rubbed his back in soothing strokes. Justin’s head rested on Rob’s shoulder as he said, “That was my sister.” “Your sister? The one you haven’t talked to since leaving home?” Rob continued to calm Justin with his hands.

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“Yeah. She wants to meet. I don’t know why now, after all these years. Jesus, she’d be twenty-two by now. She said she just graduated from college and took a job here in Portland a few weeks ago.” “You’re going tomorrow? I know you’ve said it was the one thing you regretted about leaving, losing touch with her, but I don’t want you to set yourself up to be hurt, baby.” He leant down and placed a gentle kiss on Justin’s lips and pressed their foreheads together. “I don’t want to see you hurting for anything.” “I know, but I have to take this one chance. If it were any other former member of my family, I would have hung up on them, but not her. I couldn’t do that to her.” Justin returned the sweet kiss in appreciation for Rob’s thoughtfulness and protective instincts. “I’ll be okay. She said that her parents were no longer a part of her life. I don’t know what’s happened, but I can’t abandon her if she’s truly alone now.” “That’s one of the things I love most about you, your unending ability to care for others.”

Robert turned to his side so that they faced each other. His hands wandered down to grab his favourite piece of Justin’s anatomy. Pulling their bodies together, he kissed him deeply. He loved kissing his man, the meshing of lips and the tangle of tongues more intimate and bonding than any sex act. Of course, at the first feel of those lips, his cock woke up and wanted to play. Apparently not the only one, because he felt Justin’s answering hardon rubbing against him. Justin’s leg opened up and anchored over his hip. They rubbed against each other, the pre-cum leaking from their tips easing their movements. Robert pushed Justin back far enough that he could bend down and latch onto one of his nipples, pulling on the sensitive tip with his lips and teeth. After sucking up a beautiful bruise, he pulled back. “Turn over,” he said, guiding Justin onto his opposite side. He reached into the bedside drawer for the lube. Flipping the cap open, he squeezed out a quarter sized amount. His fingers circled Justin’s opening. When he went to push one inside, a hand came back to stop him. “Just slick yourself up. Don’t stretch me. I want to feel everything.”

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Doing as asked, he guided the head of his cock to the still-closed ring. Placing his hands on the slim hips in front of him, he pushed slowly. The ring flowered open then snapped shut around the base of his sensitive head. “Oh, J…so tight…so hot,” he groaned. “Yeah…yeah…feels good, Rob.” Robert pushed his way inside until their hips were flush. Wrapping his arms around his love, he began thrusting in slow, deep drives. In this position, he knew he wasn’t hitting Justin’s gland dead on, but the smaller body trembled with each glancing rub. Robert lifted himself up on his elbow and braced his other hand on Justin’s hip, giving himself more leverage and moving his hips faster the muscles of the tight ass surrounding him clenched. He gritted his teeth and squeezed his eyes shut to stave off his orgasm as he heard soft cries of pleasure from below him. When he opened them again, he saw Justin stoking his cock in tandem with his thrusts. “Gonna come, Rob…can’t hold it.” “That’s it, baby. Come on my cock. Let me feel you.” He watched Justin’s hand speed up, stripping the skin of his cock furiously. His ass pushed back into Robert’s thrusts. He adjusted his angle just a little and his head pushed right up against Justin’s spot. “Oh God… Yes...Rob!” Justin yelled. Spurts of cum shot out of his cock. A few more thrusts, and Rob started coming deep inside his love’s ass, bathing it in milky ejaculate. After riding out the storm of sensation, he fell back onto the bed, keeping their bodies locked together. When his breathing calmed, he kissed the back of the supple neck before him. “I love you, Justin.” “Yeah…love.” Seconds later, his baby was sound asleep in his arms, his hand still wrapped around his penis. Using the edge of the light top blanket, Robert wiped up the cum still dripping down his hand and pulled the sheet up to cover them before following Justin into dream land.

**** The next morning, Justin vibrated as he made coffee. Most likely caffeine was not the best idea right now, but he really needed to do something with his hands otherwise he

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would be certifiable in no time. He was drumming his fingers on the counter and bouncing on his feet when Rob put his hands on his shoulders to stop his nervous movements. “It’ll be fine, sweetheart. You’re going to see your baby sister and have a nice casual dinner.” He wrapped his arms around Justin’s middle and pulled him back so they touched from head to toe. “Then…” Rob kissed the back of Justin’s neck “You’re going to come home…” He kissed to the rim of his ear. “Tell me all about it…” He groped his crotch “And when we’re sure it’s safe, she can come over, you can introduce me and we’ll have another member in our little family.” Rob had effectively turned him into a puddle of aroused goo. The soft caresses continued. “Yeah, I know. I know. It’s just. Oh man…do that again. It’s Kell, you know? She was a baby when I last saw her. Just ten years old. Now she’s a woman. All I can think about is ‘what’s she like?’, ‘what’s she look like?’, ‘what’s she going to do with her life?’ So many questions. I’m just trying to organise them in my head so I don’t sound like a rambling psychotic.” “Talk to Mike today. He’ll help you if you start to freak out. You can call me if you need to.” Justin turned around and looked up into the blue eyes he loved so much. “So…we’re family?” “Of course, we’re family!” Robert exclaimed “I love you, you love me. Someday I hope we can make a home together. Maybe even have kids.” He placed a gentle kiss on Justin’s mouth. “I’m in this for the long haul. I know things are little unsettled right now, but it won’t be long. I promise.” Justin let out a breath he hadn’t even realised he was holding. “That sounds real nice. I knew we loved each other, but sometimes love isn’t enough, you know? For any of what you mentioned to happen, you would have to completely change your life. I would never want to force you into that decision, and quite frankly I was never sure if you thought it would be worth it in the long run.” Robert placed his hands on Justin’s hips and lifted him up onto the countertop so they were eye to eye. He placed his hands on either side of Justin’s face and gently stroked his thumbs across his cheekbones.

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“I had no idea you felt insecure about our future. Let me make this very clear. You are everything to me. The SMA is my job. It is not who I am. I enjoy it, yes. I love competition. I love pushing myself, but being a part of that world permanently means not being able to fully share my life with you, and if I can’t share my life with you, then I have no life.” Justin lunged forward, wrapped his arms around Rob’s neck and kissed the daylights out of him. Their lips crashed together, their teeth clicked, their tongues thrust and danced around each other. He kept pulling Rob in closer until there was absolutely no space between them. He wrapped his legs around the honed waist in front of him, wanting to climb inside the other man. His dreams finally had a voice. They were no longer a vapour of idealism floating in his head.

Robert was startled to feel a tear slide down his face, his happiness leaking out of him. He separated their bodies to let Justin see everything in his eyes. “As much as I would love to stay here and do this all day, you need to go love. You only have ten minutes to get to the station.” He lifted Justin down, making sure to slide their bodies together the whole way. “Call me if you need, and I’ll see you tonight.” When Justin left, Robert ambled around the apartment for another few minutes, thinking about what had been revealed that morning. Justin’s insecurities had been a shock. The man had been holding up so well with the stress of hiding their relationship, Robert had just assumed it was understood between them that it was only temporary. That once he retired they would live openly with all the happily ever after stuff. After the championship seemed like a good time to hang up his gloves. Up until now, the SMA was all he had, so he’d continued to fight, to excel. Now he had a man to love, a family to look forward to. He was going to be thirty-two. Certainly not ancient, but in a sport where the next up and comer was in his early twenties, he was well seasoned. He had always wanted to open a gym of his own and maybe train the next generation of SMA stars. He liked working with the little kids at his gym, and the idea of serving as a coach really appealed to him. Hell, he spent four years in college getting a degree in exercise and sport science. The knowledge had served his needs well, maybe it was time to share. The more he thought about it the better the idea sounded. He would do some casual inquiries about the process of starting a gym. Maybe even scout a few locations after he got

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back from Vegas. He wouldn’t say anything to Justin until he had a better handle on the plans. No sense dragging out the anticipation even more. Besides, with Justin’s sister now back in the picture, he was going to have enough to deal with. He might even have to face his parents again. If that went down, Robert would make sure to be right by his side. Come to think of it, Justin never did say if he grew up in Portland. Where did his parents live? Looking at his watch, he realised he had to make tracks if he was going to meet James on time. He had lots to think about on his run this morning, maybe he could even bounce a few ideas off his best friend.

**** Justin and Mike were on their way to their first call of the day when he finally exploded, “Guess what?” “Monkey butt?” Mike said, taking a left turn across three lanes of traffic at a stop light. “No asshole. So I’m asleep last night, and my phone rings—watch that minivan up there. Looks like the driver is clueless.” “I see it. Mr. Perfect wanted some midnight phone sex? I want all the details.” “I am not telling you the details of my sex life, you perv. Go get one of your own. Besides there was no need for the phone if I wanted a little midnight booty. Now stop distracting me. I picked up, and Kelly was on the other end.” “Your sister?” Mike picked up the transmitter for the radio when he heard dispatch asking for an update on their arrival. “This is Bus thirty-six. ETA two minutes.” “Uh-huh. She’s here in town. Just graduated college. Jeez, I still can’t believe that one. She wants to meet. We’re getting together for dinner tonight. Can you believe it, man?” Justin said excitedly. “What about mother and father dearest? Won’t they flip?” “She says they’re not in the picture anymore. Didn’t say why. Guess I’ll find out tonight. Knowing them, they probably threw her away like they did me.” They pulled up next to the building where the call had originated and took off, knowing every second counted. They headed for the elevators, and Justin pushed the button for the thirty-second floor. The call was a suspected heart attack. One of the executives’

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administrative assistants had dialled nine-one-one. When the doors opened, they were directed to a corner office. A man lay on the floor with a woman kneeling over him, giving CPR while a group of people stood around them. “Please move back,” he said. “My name is Justin. I’m a paramedic, and I’m here to help. Can someone tell me how long he’s been unconscious?” He quickly checked the victim’s vitals and confirmed that there was no pulse, taking over compressions he gestured to Mike to open the defibrillator. “I saw him clutch his chest and fall. I immediately called emergency. I began CPR five minutes ago when he passed out.” He ripped open the man’s dress shirt and shocked his chest in effort to get his heart started again. He felt for a pulse. “No response. Increase to two hundred fifty,” he told Mike. He shocked him again. This time he felt a pulse, and the man gasped for breath, but remained unconscious. They loaded him on the gurney and went back downstairs to get him transported. “We’re taking him to Providence Medical Centre. If you contact anyone, tell them to go there,” Mike told the assistant who’d come down with them. He placed a hand on her shoulder. “You did a good job, possibly saved his life.” When they got the patient loaded, Justin hooked him up to the electro-cardio graph so they could monitor his heartbeat. Having recently gone to training on using therapeutic hypothermia to increase a heart attack victims chances, he installed an IV and ran cooled saline wide open through the veins. The man had been unconscious for at least ten minutes. By cooling, his core temperature it would help his chances for survival as well as possibly reduce the effects of any neurological or heart tissue damage. They pulled up the emergency room bay. The back doors opened, and Mike helped Justin unload the gurney. He informed the doctors of the patient’s statistic, status and treatments performed. When everything was settled and they were on the way back to the firehouse, he started thinking about what would happen that night and found himself getting nervous all over again.

****

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Justin paced outside the restaurant where he was to meet Kelly. His hands were sweating and he kept rubbing them on his uniform pants. He turned to make another circuit when he heard a soft voice behind him. “Justin?” Spinning quickly, he saw a beautiful young woman. Her hair was long, honey blonde colour, and she had the same brown eyes he saw in the mirror every morning. “Kell? Wow, look at you. You’re all grown up.” He couldn’t wait another second. He rushed forward and took her in his arms, hugging tightly. “God almighty, I’ve missed you.” “Oh, JJ. I’ve missed you, too,” she said, hugging him back. Justin stepped back and looked at the women his baby sister had become. He smiled. “JJ. I’d forgotten you used to call me that. Why don’t we go get a table, and you can tell me what’s going on.” They were seated at a nice quiet table in the back of the restaurant. “Do you want to talk, or should I just ask questions?” he asked, looking at Kelly across from him. “Why don’t we do a little of both? I’ll start. I recently graduated from the University of Washington with my degree in finance. I was hired at a small bank here in Portland and so far really like the atmosphere. I have a great boss, and all my co-workers have been really friendly. I have to confess that the whole reason I looked for jobs here was because I knew you had moved here, and I wanted to reconnect.” Justin saw tears gather in her eyes and heard the guilt in her voice. “JJ. I can’t even say how sorry I am that I never called before now. I want you to know that I never…never thought of you the way our parents did. I’ve always loved you. I…I really didn’t see any other options at the time. They told me if I ever tried to contact you that they would disown me, too.” He took her hand because he wanted to reassure her that there were no hard feelings. “Of course, you didn’t. You were a little girl at the time. I’ve never held that against you. I didn’t contact you because I didn’t want to make things more difficult for you at home, and I had no idea where or if you went to college. So…based on what you said over the phone, I take it they haven’t changed?” Kelly took a drink of water before continuing, “No. You would think if they were the true Christians they espoused themselves to be, they would live a life of acceptance and

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forgiveness. Instead, they are just as judgmental and sanctimonious as ever. So…you’re a paramedic now?” “Kell, don’t avoid the topic. I know it’s unpleasant, but let’s get it over with, okay? What happened?” He watched her take a deep breath then, with a little tremor, her chin lifted. “I’m pregnant. Four and half months. It was easy to hide it from them while living in Seattle to finish school. When they came for graduation, I told them. They ordered me to tell them who the father is so we could marry. I refused since I have no intention of him being a part of my baby’s life. They told me I was a whore and wanted nothing to do with me anymore.” She wiped at the tears running down her cheek. “Fortunately, I went to school on an academic scholarship so I’m not beholden to them in any way.” Justin sat in shock. So many questions flew through him he couldn’t grasp one. When he saw Kelly’s face grow concerned that he was about to disparage her too, he jumped up and walked to the other side of the table to take her in his arms and swung her around. Setting her back on her feet, he let her see his huge smile. “I’m going to be an uncle?” “Put me down, you goofball!” She pointed back to his seat “Now sit back down and behave like a respectable adult.” She couldn’t keep herself from laughing. “Yes, you’re going to be an uncle, and I expect you to spoil my son or daughter unmercifully.” Holding up his left hand and giving the Vulcan sign, he said, “Scout’s honour.” “Obviously, you were never a boy scout.” “So what’s with the father?” he asked. He wanted to know who had taken advantage of his little sister. He might not have been a part of her life for the last twelve years, but apparently, the protective feelings never went away. “Nothing criminal or anything. We saw each other for a few months. We used condoms, but obviously, one failed. When I told him about the baby, he freaked. Said he couldn’t handle a kid right now, he had to finish graduate school, get a job…yada, yada, yada. He offered to pay for an abortion, but I couldn’t do it. I have a friend whose parents are lawyers. They drew up the papers requesting he relinquish all parental rights, and he signed them with no contest.”

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Justin was incensed that a man would treat Kelly that way. “I don’t suppose you’re going to tell me his name, are you?” He sighed when she shook her head. “All right then.” He rubbed his hands together eagerly. “We have a lot to do. Do you have an obstetrician? We need to find you a place to live. We need to get a place with enough room for a nursery, and find all the stuff to fill it—” He stopped when he saw more tears in her eyes. “What? Did I say something wrong? Oh, maybe you don’t want—” “JJ, I love you so much. I can’t believe you’d just throw your hat into this insane ring. What about your life? You have your job and your own priorities. What about a man? Are you seeing someone?” “Kell, we’re family. It was explained to me this morning that if we can’t share our life with our family then we have no life. My jobs are just those, jobs. My partner, and yes I do have one, will be thrilled to meet you and hear the news.” She inhaled and let the air out slowly. “Okay, so one step at a time. I suppose you know more about the neighbourhoods around here to search for apartments than I can find online, but first, I want to hear more about this partner of yours.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “Well, there are some extenuating circumstances about that. We’ve been seeing each other for a couple of months. We are in love but can’t be open about our relationship due to his job. I don’t want you to think I’m hiding him or anything, but I do need to make sure he’s comfortable with the idea of you knowing who he is.” “Sounds mysterious. Is he famous or something? I swear I would never ‘out’ him. Hell, the only people I know in this city are my co-workers and my friend I’ve been staying with.” “I know, sweetie, but we just need to be careful. I hope you understand.” By the time they finished dinner and exchanged all pertinent contact info, Justin was nearly bouncing with excitement to get home and call Rob with all the details. He even had an idea or two about finding Kelly a place to live, but wanted to run it by Rob first to get his opinion.

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Chapter Ten

“So what do you think?” Justin asked into the phone later that night. “Wow… I’m still stuck on the whole uncle thing. I have to be honest, I’m not sure about the moving in together idea. I mean not really about you two living together. I guess, it’s…oh hell—” “Rob, just say whatever your thinking. It’s okay.” Justin stripped off his clothes and climbed in bed, fluffing up his pillows. “I’m selfish, okay? If someone sees me leaving the building there, I can always play it off like I had to see Joe about something, but if I’m seen frequently leaving an apartment where only you and a pregnant women live, it might raise questions.” “Well, I guess we could always play it off like Kelly’s baby is your love child,” he said only halfway joking. “But what are people going to think? They will either correctly assume you’re hanging out with friends whom happen to be a pregnant woman and her brother, or if they really want to be salacious, they’ll think Kelly really is your girlfriend, the baby is yours, and I just happen to live with her. Remember, there has never been any supposition about you being gay. Hell, even I thought you were straight. They would have no reason to make that leap, unless we were caught making out right in front of the window or something.” He held his breath waiting for Rob’s response. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I guess I’m just projecting my fears on the general population.” “It’s okay. I understand. You have a lot riding on the next several months, and it is scary always trying to stay one step ahead of the media. Just out of curiosity’s sake, do you know of any rules in the SMA prohibiting an openly gay fighter? Or even blatant homophobia amongst the management or other fighters?” “There are no rules strictly prohibiting it, and I haven’t personally come across any verbal bigotry, but I don’t think I want to risk it at this point in my career. Things are a little different now than when I first started. Maybe if I was young, just starting out and had to look forward to the years of hiding again I would do things differently, but now…”

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Justin could hear the resignation and in Rob’s voice. He didn’t want him to think that he was passing judgement on his choices. “No, no, honey. I wasn’t suggesting you test the waters. I was curious from a fan’s perspective.” “Oh, well, okay. So, where were you thinking of moving to?” Justin explained his idea about finding a nice little house to rent like Rob’s. He wanted to see if there was one with a finished lower level they could make into a separate living area for him. That way, both he and Kelly could have their privacy. Plus that added a bonus of an insulated floor separating him from a crying baby at two o’clock in the morning.

**** Robert drove the moving van stuffed full of Justin’s furniture and other belongings to the new place. It was amazing the amount of stuff the man had been able to collect in that little apartment. They’d found an adorable craftsman cottage with two bedrooms and a bath upstairs and a finished in-laws’ suite on the lower level. The family didn’t want to sell in the current market but were relocating across country. Robert thought the lower suite was perfect. Justin had assured him that the street was private and the property far enough away that there would be no noisy neighbours. It had taken a few weeks to get things sorted out, but now they were on their way. Robert was pretty proud of the fact that they had been so efficient in packing that it would only take one trip. Kelly was meeting them at the house with her friend. They pulled into the driveway and climbed out. Justin jumped out of the front seat before Robert could say anything. “Hey, Rob, let me show you the garage first.” He walked away towards the detached structure at the back of the property. When Rob entered the dark garage, he looked around for Justin. “Why would I want to see the gara—” He was pushed up against the wall and warm lips sealed to his. Hmm…okay, garages are nice. In fact, garages are my new favourite place. His hands found their way to their customary place on Justin’s butt and he lifted him higher so their crotches could rub together.

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“God, I love it when you do that,” Justin panted. “I’ve never been with someone who could lift me before.” Robert growled. “And you’ll never be with anyone else ever again, right?” He started tickling Justin in the ribs. “Right?” Justin was laughing so hard he could only answer in gasps. “Stop…stop…you’re right…right…I swear it.” Robert caught Justin as he launched himself back into his arms. Justin groaned as Robert cupped his ass again and turned to push him against the wall, pinning him between the drywall and his pelvis. Justin’s smaller body arched up into each grind of their groins. Justin fisted his T-shirt and yanked up. A second later, fingers flicked across Robert’s hard nipples in sync with each thrust. Rob broke their soul-searing kiss and groaned. He licked at the base of Justin’s throat then made tiny little nips over his Adam’s apple. It was as if a bucket of cold water were thrown on them when they heard the laughing voices of Kelly and her friend outside. Jumping apart, they separated to opposite sides of the small building to straighten their clothes and try to calm the raging hard-on in their jeans. Rob thought of all the disgusting, creepy, crawly bugs he could think of. Yep, that did it. “You okay?” Justin asked. “Yeah.” He walked back over and straightened a lock of hair, falling across Justin’s forehead. “Let’s get you moved into your new home.” Justin preceded him into the back door to find Kelly already getting things organised in the kitchen. “There you are. I was wondering if you’d skipped out on us,” she said. “I was just showing my buddy Rob here the backyard.” Justin jerked his finger behind him to where Rob stood. “Kelly, this is my friend Rob Lansing. He’s graciously, involuntarily volunteered to move the furniture and other heavy stuff.” He made a courtly gesture in Kelly’s direction. “Rob, this is my sister Kelly and my unborn niece or nephew, who I fondly refer to as Wiggles.” He nudged an elbow into Rob’s side. “Get it? Wiggles? Cause her tummy wiggles when it moves,” he said, laughing at his own joke. Rob rolled his eyes. “Lord help you Kelly for taking on Bob Hope here.” He held out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you. Justin has talked non-stop about you over the last few weeks.”

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She accepted the handshake. “Nice to meet you, Rob.” She turned around and looked at the boxes they had already brought inside. “Well, if you two strapping men want to get the big stuff carried in, we’ll unpack the boxes.” Several hours later, they had everything in its rightful place and Kelly’s friend had taken off. Justin left to pick up some dinner for the three of them, and Robert found himself cornered in the kitchen, drinking a large glass of water when Kelly walked in. “So Rob, how long have you been friends with my brother?” “Only a few months. He used to moonlight in my stepdad’s garage. I met him when he helped me put a new top on my car. I have a vintage Mustang.” “And what kind of work do you do?” “I’m a fighter for the SMA.” “Oh, I’ve heard of that. It’s the cage match stuff, right?” “Well, we fight in a cage, but really, it’s based on a mix of martial arts disciplines.” He refilled his glass and took another long drink. “And how long have you been in love with my brother?” Robert choked on the water and was racked by a coughing fit. When he was able to breathe again, he looked over at the very self-satisfied female version of Justin’s chocolate eyes. “What makes you ask that?” She rolled her eyes, walked up the large man and placed her hand on his arm. “Don’t freak out. You two did a very good job of playing it casual. Most people would never see it, but to be honest, I’ve been trying to figure out the identity of Justin’s partner for a couple of weeks.” She counted on her fingers. “The fact that you say you’ve known him the exact amount of time he told me he’s been dating someone. There were the quick glances when you were working together that said you knew each other well enough to communicate without words. Finally, the bee-stung lips you both had when you walked in the backdoor earlier. It all gave you away.” She noticed that Rob was panicking a little bit. “My friend didn’t see any of that. She even asked if I would get your number so she could ask you out. I swear to you that I will protect your relationship with my brother. Reconnecting with him means more to me than you can understand. I would never jeopardise that with something so petty as spreading gossip.”

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Robert started breathing a little better when Kelly was done explaining her sleuthing abilities. “I know hiding our relationship is hard for him. I hate having to complicate his life this way. For this moment, it’s our only choice. I love him more than even he understands. Your brother is the centre of my world. As soon as I retire, I will make it up to him. He doesn’t know this, but I plan to retire after the championship in October.” “I promise to do everything that’s within my power to give the two of you the space and privacy in this home to be together. I don’t want the presence of a pregnant woman to cramp your style. How much are you in the media’s eye?” “Fortunately not that much. Our sport has significantly grown in popularity, but we still haven’t reached NFL or MLB levels. I get hounded around the time of a fight, usually at the gym, but my day to day life is pretty uneventful. It would probably be worse if I trained in one of the big camps, but I like the quiet lifestyle I have here.” Since they didn’t have a kitchen table, she walked into the living room and sat on the sofa they’d brought from Justin’s apartment. “When is your next fight? You mentioned something about the championship?” Robert smiled as memories of what had gone down on that sofa floated through his brain. Good thing leather cleans up really well. “I have a fight in Vegas in a couple of weeks. When I win, it’ll guarantee me a spot in the championship in October.” “You seem awfully sure that you’ll win.” She smiled. Robert shrugged his shoulders. He was about to answer when he heard Justin’s voice behind him.

“Of course, he’s going to win. Don’t let his casual demeanour fool you. When he steps in the ring, he’s a completely different person. I swear he grows another two feet. He’s totally committed to each move, always thinking two steps ahead of his opponent. The fire and determination just radiates from each pore. My buddy here can be quite merciless, when he wants to be.” “You’re not a fan or anything, are you, JJ?” she said, laughing. Justin felt a blush creep up his face. Figuring some damage control was in order, he shrugged and turned his back, refusing to address the taunt.

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Shit! Rob’s going to kill me. Why couldn’t you just keep your mouth shut? The first time anyone really questioned your relationship with him, and you practically fucking recite sonnets in his name. He was still mentally whipping himself, when a hand landed on his shoulder and spun him around. Before he had a chance to react, Rob’s lips were on his. He stood frozen, not kissing him back, trying not to react in any way. The kiss was intense for all its briefness. “What the fuck?” he yelled. “It’s okay, baby. She figured us out and already called me on it.” “Oh God…I’m so sorry, Rob. It’s my fault. I didn’t mean to go on like that…” He stepped away and raked his hand through his hair. “I…” He thought over the entire afternoon, what had he done to give them away. Was it a touch, a look, did he say something and not realise it? “I…I…” Tears gathered in his eyes when he looked at the man he’d sworn to love forever. “If you want to go, I’ll understand. I swear…I’ll leave you alone.” His chest hurt so badly at the thought of Rob leaving, but it was for the best. He had to be protected. “I won’t…you don’t have to worry about…” Rob rushed towards Justin and pulled him into his arms, holding tight. Putting his mouth to his ear, he spoke firmly but softly, “Shh… None of that now. I never want to hear such words from your mouth again, you hear?” “But…I promised I’d keep you safe, and the first time—” “You did nothing wrong. Your sister just happens to be a master sleuth. She explained to me how she figured us out, and it was nothing any casual observer would pick up on. We anticipated telling her eventually. It just came out a little sooner. Now kiss me, and let’s eat dinner as a family.” Justin pulled back to examine Rob’s eyes. The bright blue orbs showed no hint of anger. He saw only love radiating back at him. He stood on his tiptoes, wrapped his arms around Rob’s neck and brought his head down so their lips met. It was a full-out open mouth, tongue twisting kiss. Slow, sensual, tender, but most of all full of love. When they pulled back, Rob give him a little wink and his heart melted all over again. “God, that was so beautiful,” Kelly sighed from the sofa. He noticed that the large, open archway had provided her with a perfect view of their moment.

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“I never expected to see two guys kiss like that. I guess I figured it would be more…” She flipped her hands in the air. “I don’t know…raunchier.” “Oh believe me, it can be a hell of lot raunchier.” A little devil was sitting on his shoulder when he said, “And has been. On that very couch in fact.” He pointed, laughing. “Oh, ew!” Jumping up from the couch, she looked down at it in mock horror. “TMI, JJ!” Justin laughed so hard he barely felt Rob knock him upside the head. “Okay, you hyena. Bring the food in here, and let’s eat.” Walking into the living room, Robert pushed Kelly back down onto the cushions. “Don’t worry, Kelly. We’re very hygienic. Besides you can’t tell me you’ve never sucked face or gotten it on while watching a movie.” He laughed as a blush, identical to the one that he often saw on her brother, crept up her face. These blonds are so much fun to tease.

**** “I can’t believe you’ll be gone a whole week. What am I going to do?” Justin pouted as he climbed in bed. Robert stripped off his clothes and looked down at the naked vision before him. God, he was going to miss that view. Since Justin had moved into the new house, Rob had slept over more nights than ever before. The little house ended up having a lot of privacy being at the end of a long road, with the closest neighbour being about a half mile down. He enjoyed sharing breakfast with Kelly and Justin before meeting James for their morning runs. “I don’t know? How about your job or maybe spending time with your sister? Then again, you could jack-off all day while thinking of me.” He smiled as he climbed into the bed and pulled Justin in close. “I’ll take bachelor number three, Chuck.” “Make sure you don’t wear yourself out. When I get back, I expect to spend several days gorging myself on your delectable body.” “Gorge away,” Justin said, opening his arms wide. “Don’t think I won’t, but for tonight, what I really want is for you to make love to me. I want to feel you inside me all week. When I swallow, I want to feel the ache from you fucking my mouth. When I’m missing you, I want to remember what it feels like to have

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your long, thick, hard cock driving deep inside my ass. I want you inside me so bad. I want you to own me, to control me, to fuck me into complete oblivion.” “Oh shit, Rob. You’re going to make me come just listening to you talk like that.” He rolled over on top and thrust his hips against Rob’s already hard cock, letting him feel just what his words did to him. “You want me to fuck your mouth? I can definitely do that.” Justin scooted up so he was kneeling over Rob’s head. He aimed his cock down towards Rob’s mouth and ordered, “Open up.” Justin fed his length inside, closing his eyes in bliss when Rob began to suck. “Yes, suck harder. Suck me deep.” He pulled back after a few seconds. “Christ, I need more,” Robert gasped. “Wait, I’ve got an idea. Get up for a second.” Justin gave him a dirty look for the interruption but did as asked. Robert scooted so he was lying across the bed, with his head tilted off the side. “Now, stand over here and feed me that beautiful cock.” The bed shook as Justin leapt off. With this angle, his entire length would be fed down Robert’s throat. Justin would be able to give him the fucking he wanted. Robert savoured the taste of Justin’s pre-cum trickling down his throat as he sucked hard. His own cock throbbed in response. He reached up and pulled Justin in, signalling to him that it was okay to move on his own. It only took a few seconds, but then those hips started to move. He moaned at the feel of Justin’s cock shuttling in and out of his mouth, rubbing across his tongue. Justin had leant over and braced his hands on the mattress on either side of his hips, effectively caging him as he kept thrusting in and out. Robert could feel the veins and ridges of Justin’s cock as it slid across his tongue. When next Justin pulled back, he took a tiny bite out of the skin on the sensitive head, causing Justin to shiver and moan. God, he loved to hear those noises. He kept suckling as the tip slid back inside his throat. Suddenly it stopped, and he cried out in denial. “Turn around. I want at that ass now,” Justin commanded. While he did so, he heard Justin open the bedside table and flip open the top to the lube. Robert’s legs were lifted up into the air and he held the back of his thighs. The height of the bed allowed Justin to eventually get really deep. Just what Robert wanted. He felt his hole slathered in cool gel, and Justin tilted up his hips.

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“You wanted to be fucked? You’re going to get fucked. I’m about to shove this hard cock so deep inside you, you’re going to be walking funny for days.” He made to push the head inside without stretching Rob first. “Yes,” Robert pleaded. “Please, J! I need you now.” Without another second, Justin thrust the first several inches into him. “Fuck, J! Now, now, give me it all,” he cried. “Oh fuck, sweetheart, you feel so damn good wrapped around me. Hot and tight. I can feel you sucking me in all the way.” Robert was overwhelmed when Justin thrust the last few inches. He still felt so amazing when they did this. He loved it. Justin took shallow thrusts at first as he dug in deep. He circled his hips a few times then went to town, fucking Robert hard and deep. He cried out in ecstasy as Justin increased his pace. Each stroke hit directly on his gland over and over again. His climax built. “That’s it. I can feel you tighten around me. You want to come, don’t you? You gonna to give it all up for me?” Justin challenged. “Yes…yes, I want to come. Now, J. I want to come now.” Robert reached for his own cock only to have his hand slapped away. “No! You will come when I say you can, not when you want to. Tonight this ass and this cock belong to me.” Oh my god! He’d never heard these kinds of forceful demands come from Justin before. His cock gave another spurt of pre-cum. When he’d said he wanted to be owned, he hadn’t known it would feel like this. His entire body felt like it was on fire. His blood raced through his veins, his skin was alive, his fingers and toes tingled and his brain had shut down to everything but the feel of the cock taking him over and over. He couldn’t hold on much longer no matter what Justin ordered. “Please, J. Please let me come. I can’t hold on much more,” he begged. Justin’s hips sped up, and he met him thrust for thrust. His cock was going so deep, it kept hitting a spot inside that felt so good it almost hurt. God, he loved it! Suddenly, Justin stiffened in front of him. “Now, Rob, come with me now.”

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Justin held Robert’s hips in a bruising grip, throwing back his head, neck arched and tendons taut as he cried out. Robert felt the hot jet of Justin’s seed shoot inside him, and he exploded without a touch to his cock. He came and came, feeling like it would never stop. His release drenched his stomach and chest. When they were both able to move again, they situated themselves on the bed, front to back. Justin curled up behind him, still breathing heavily, the sweat and heat of their bodies gluing them together. These moments were some of Robert’s favourites. No matter who had fucked whom, they always spent time afterwards, existing in the moment. “You’re going to watch the match, right?” Robert asked as they were both drifting off to sleep. “Wouldn’t miss it for anything. I’ve got the DVR all set. That way we can watch your brilliant performance over and over again.” Justin kissed the base of Rob’s neck. “Now, get some sleep, love. You have an early flight to catch.”

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Chapter Eleven

“You ready, man?” James asked. Robert gave his neck one last roll and shook out his arms. “Good to go.” His coach stood a few feet away, knowing that Robert liked these last few minutes to himself. Robert heard his name called over the speakers and trotted to the opening where the referee waited. Once he entered the cage and they went over the rules of the fight, he gave one last quick prayer. The tone played over the speakers, signalling for them to start. He had fought his opponent, Hernandez, before. Typically, the man liked to strike fast. Each of them danced around gauging their range. Robert didn’t want to overplay his hand so he threw a couple of half-hearted hits and took a few kicks to his legs. Hernandez swung hard with a right and connected with his chin. Shaking off the attack, Robert countered with a hard-hitting punch to the body. Kicking out with his left leg, he struck Hernandez’s midsection while he simultaneously caught an overhand hit from the man’s right fist. He struck out with his leg again, but Hernandez caught it and took him to the ground. He took several blows then quickly regained his feet. When he saw thirty seconds on the clock for the first round, he let loose with a series of blistering-fast Muay Thai moves. First, he executed a cobra punch where he faked a kick with his rear leg then snapped the leg back while throwing a cross to left cheek. He immediately followed that with a left flying elbow and finished off with a low roundhouse kick just above the knee, sending Hernandez to the mat as the signal for the end of the round echoed. In the second round, Robert’s opponent came out with a slight limp from the last kick. Hernandez immediately landed a kick to Robert’s body, but with the weak leg didn’t do much damage. Robert wanted to exploit the injury so he struck the leg again, further weakening Hernandez’s mobility. He landed several kicks to Hernandez’s legs and body. He let a straight right punch fly, but in the effort, he lost traction and ended up on the mat. Hernandez went for a chokehold. Robert knew he could avoid the pin by using the Anaconda defence, so he shifted his body position. Situating his arm and outer leg in a way

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that would prevent him from being rolled over, he drove his head into Hernandez’s midsection which forced him to open the arm wrapped around Robert’s neck. Robert then flipped himself around behind Hernandez and put him in a rear chokehold. Wrapping one arm around Hernandez’s neck, Robert placed his elbow is against his opponent’s throat. He then put the hand of his choking arm and his free arm together and squeezed. A few seconds later, the referee signalled the tap and the round ended. Round three opened with the two of them slapping hands to start. Each exchanged blows as the momentum built. Robert landed a straight left punch that pushed Hernandez back. He could tell the other man was getting tired. His movements were sluggish, and his reactions not as quick. A hard-hitting right followed by a low kick to the upper thigh near the groin had Hernandez stepping back and bending over for a moment before signalling that he was okay to continue. Robert was ready to end this match. So he employed the same move he’d used on James just months prior. The Gogoplata. He allowed himself to be sent to the mat, giving Hernandez a false sense of victory, then wrapping his legs over and under Hernandez’s throat, he squeezed, causing the airway to be constricted. He held on as tight as he could while the man scrambled to find a way out of the hold, his breath slowly being drained. Thirty seconds passed on the clock then Robert saw his opponent’s eyes roll back up into his head, and he passed out. The referee signalled the knockout and the match was Robert’s.

**** Robert was so pumped. One step closer to the championship. One step closer to living the life he wanted with his man. He took the fastest shower in history so he could call Justin and tell him the good news. He knew the fight was being broadcast, but he needed to share. Walking out of the arena and into the casino, he dialled Justin on his cell phone. The noise was too much. He couldn’t even hear the ring. He found a hallway and walked a little further before he heard a quiet answer on the other end. “Hello?” “J! I did it!” He was so excited he was bouncing on the balls of his feet as if back in the ring.

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“I know, honey. I watched. You were brilliant.” Robert knew it was noisy in the casino, but it sounded as if Justin was at a party. “Did you have people over to watch?” “No, why?” “What’s all that noise around you?” “Oh, it’s nothing.” He heard the noise get softer as if Justin was trying to hide it from him. “J? If you went out with friends, it’s okay. I know you don’t get to do that often. You don’t need to lie to me. I hate when people lie to me,” he finished emphatically. “Well, I did sort of go out, but I watched the fight, too.” “Okay, so where are you?” Someone tapped him on the shoulder, and Robert turned around annoyed at the interruption. Justin stood behind him with a huge smile on his face, waving his cell phone. He closed his phone and pulled Justin into a big bear hug and slapped him on the back. “Oh my God! You’re here!” “I’m here.” Justin took a huge step back. Robert smiled. He knew his love was avoiding any direct contact between them, either to be discrete or avert temptation. “This is so fucking fantastic! Let’s go cruise the strip then find us a poker table to rape.” The first eye-popping display that met their eyes as they exited the Mandalay Bay was the Luxor hotel. The entire building was shaped like a pyramid and had a giant green spotlight exiting out the top. They decided to bypass the inside and instead walked a little further down the street. The Excalibur and New York Hotels were side by side. “Well, I believe Las Vegas is the only place you will find a medieval castle next door to a full scale metropolis with a roller coaster snaking around the buildings,” Robert said. “Look at how all the skyscrapers are different colours. They even have a huge Statue of Liberty. I wanna ride the coaster! Come on, please?” Justin entreated. Robert laughed at Justin’s exclamations. The playground around them had reduced a full grown man to childlike exuberance. They rode the roller coaster, twice. Justin sat next to him, holding his hands up and yelling the entire time. Next on their stop was the Bellagio

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Fountains. The choreography of the water was a sight to behold. Across the street they could see the replica of the Eiffel Tower. Robert had heard cool things about the pirate show at Treasure Island, so they went down and were just in time to catch the last show of the night. They cruised the strip for almost two hours until he couldn’t stand it any longer. He saw a gap between two buildings as they walked around Caesar’s Palace. He turned in that direction and didn’t stop until they reached the dark, secluded area. “Rob? Where are you—” Yanking Justin deeper into the shadows, Robert pulled him into his arms, kissing him hard. This was no sweet, tender moment but raw barely controlled lust. Their teeth clicked, hands groped and tongues thrashed. They devoured each other as if there was no tomorrow. He pushed Justin up against the side of the building. Ripping open the buttons of Justin’s jeans, Robert reached inside and grasped his hard cock. There wasn’t much room in the tight denim. Justin deserves a reward for this wonderful surprise. He spread Justin’s legs a little and leaned into his hard body. He took his earlobe between his teeth, bit down and pulled on the little flap of skin. Justin always went nuts when he did that. Robert saw him biting his lip to hold in his cries. He wished he could hear those sweet noises but knew this was not the time or place. Later…later, he promised himself. He gave just a few more strokes, a flick of his thumb over the slit as he whispered in Justin’s ear, “Come.” He felt the smaller body jerk hard. Justin’s eyes flew open to meet his, his mouth opened in a silent scream and heat sprayed over Robert’s fingers. Milking the tremors to their completion, he placed a soft chaste kiss on the already bee-stung lips. When Justin reached for him, he shook his head and stepped back. “That was just for you.” “I was so proud of you tonight. It was amazing to see you fight in person. The TV doesn’t do you justice,” Justin said, pulling Rob into his arms and holding tight. Robert wished they were alone and naked. He loved feeling Justin burrow into him after he came. The man was the best cuddler. Robert returned the hug, nestling his nose in Justin’s neck. He loved his scent. With the warm desert air on Justin’s skin, Robert just wanted to lick it all up. Stepping back, he gave Justin’s hand a squeeze. “Come on, poker and

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then I’ll sneak you into my room. I would say let’s skip the tables and go to bed, but I’m expected to put in an appearance back at the Mandalay Bay casino. It’s part of my contract. Fortunately, I’m also staying there so when we’re done we can just go upstairs. I need to call my agent and let him know we’re on the way back.” “Okay, I’ll just wander while you’re doing the publicity stuff.” “No, I want you at my table. It’s like you said. You’re just my good friend who flew in to see me fight, and now, we’re going to play some cards.” “I think it’s only fair to warn you. I’m a card shark. It’s helped put me through school.” Justin chuckled. “I’ll try to go easy on you. Wouldn’t want you to pout and not put out later.”

**** Robert looked over at the very self satisfied smile on Justin’s face as they rode up the elevator several hours later.. “You weren’t fucking kidding.” The other man shrugged. “Where did you learn to play like that?” “Believe it or not, Gram taught me,” Justin said, laughing. “She was a sweet little lady— until you put a deck of cards in front of her then it was every man for himself. She taught me how to read other players and how to bluff. I knew the ins and outs of Texas Hold ‘Em as well if not better than my high school history lessons. You can imagine how much my parents loved that.” “Is that the reason why she cut them out of her life? Refusing to give up her gambling habit?” “One of many.” The elevator came to a rapid halt on the thirtieth floor, and Robert felt his stomach do a little jump to catch up. They walked down the hall and stopped in front of his room. When they entered the suite there were floor to ceiling windows that overlooked the strip, the huge flat screen plasma TV opposite a sofa and overstuffed chair. A fully stocked wet bar finished out the sitting area. A doorway led to the bedroom with a king-sized bed, filled with pillows and a thick down comforter. All decorated in shades of grey and black and cream. The counter tops were granite and the carpeting thick enough to scrunch ones toes in.

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“Wow, I’m impressed,” Justin said, looking around. “Yeah, popularity on the circuit has its perks. You keep winning, and they set you up in style.” He remembered the first rooms he’d stayed in. Cheap, smelly Motel Six knock offs with beds he didn’t want to know what had gone down on and bathrooms creeping with mildew. “Just one thing… There’s only one bed,” Justin said, gesturing to the other room. “You plan on sleeping somewhere else?” Robert asked, putting his arms around Justin’s waist. “Well, no, but what about maid service? We talked to enough people tonight that they know I’m staying with you.” “No worries. That’s what sofa beds are for.” He stepped away and moved the glasstopped coffee table then flipped out the sofa bed with a flourish. “Viola! Now climb on in and wiggle around like you slept there.” Justin jumped on the bed as if he were a little monkey. He was laughing and having fun with the game. Punching up the pillows and kicking his legs around, rolling from side to side. “Okay, okay. You’re sleeping, remember. Not doing gymnastics.” He pulled Justin’s arm up, lifted him over his shoulder and carried him into the bedroom. His butt was grabbed with both Justin’s hands and given a good squeeze. He unceremoniously dumped his burden on the bed and watched him bounce on the thick mattress. “This is where we do the gymnastics. Since you took a piece out of my ass downstairs, I’m going to take a piece out of yours. Now strip.”

Justin flipped his shoes and socks off. He slowly undid the top few buttons of his dress shirt. He heard Rob growl when he paused, and an evil little grin crossed his lips. He slowly flicked open the rest of the buttons, one by one, then he laid back on the bed and spread the sides of his shirt. He played with his nipples, rubbing and pinching the tight nubs until his breath came in hitches. Rob’s eyes glazed over and burned, the bright blue mimicking a laser. “You’re playing with fire, J.” “I like the burn.”

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In the next instant, Rob lunged forward, ripped the buttons of Justin’s jeans open, yanked them down his legs to his ankles and swallowed his cock whole. Justin cried out, the sensations too much. Rob lifted Justin’s hips by holding underneath his ass as he worked his erection deep into his throat, swallowing and sucking, each pull harder and faster than the next. Justin’s hips were dropped to the bed, and his nipples pinched hard between Rob’s thumb and finger, twisted until the pain morphed into pleasure. Justin heard sounds escaping his mouth but had no idea what he was saying. His balls drew up tight to his body. The hot mouth continued to devour his cock. Its tongue lashed across the tip and stabbed into the slit. “Oh shit…damn…fuck…I’m gonna…Rob!” He screamed as he shot deep. His whole body tensing and arched like a bow. It seemed as though he had barely stopped coming when he his jeans were ripped the rest of the way off. He was flipped over onto his knees and felt a tongue licking and pressing into his hole. He heard Rob spit then a wet cock head was pushed against his opening. When did Rob get naked? Then he realised that he still felt the material of jeans bracketing his legs, not warm skin. Ah, not naked just needy. He forced himself back, feeling the stretch of the thick mushroomed head pushing inside. His ring snapped around the base, and he hissed. The thick length continued to bore deep, the fullness and pressure unbelievable. One would think after the months they’d been together, he would be used to how big Rob’s cock felt inside him, but each time felt like the first. No, better than the first. Every time was better than the last. He was completely addicted to the feel of Rob fucking him and had no desire to search out a cure. The cock was now buried inside him. He heard Rob sigh with pleasure behind him. “I couldn’t wait, J. I had to get inside you.” “Yes.” Was that his voice pleading so desperately? “Take me, Rob, take me now, and take me hard. I wanna be fucked. Make me yours.” He shouldn’t even be able to get it up again. He’d already come twice that night, but apparently, his cock didn’t know that, ‘cause it was throbbing and leaking on the bedspread below him.

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“Fuck, yes, J… Mine!”

Robert withdrew all the way to the flange of his head then thrust deep and fast. Over and over again, he heard Justin’s sobs of pleasure, begging for more. He demanded harder, faster and deeper. Robert gave everything he had to follow those orders, changing the angle of his hips to ensure he hit J’s gland each time. Driving down deep and strong, it felt like his cock was on fire. The heat and strength of the muscles surrounding him was so intense. The pleasure so great it almost hurt. He wrapped his hand around J’s cock. The skin was hot to the touch. He stroked in time with his thrusts. The sounds coming from J’s throat were unintelligible now, just needy, and begging. Robert’s balls drew up, his ass clenched and he felt his cum travel up his dick and fire out of the tip like a cannonball. He roared out his climax, hips jack-knifing. Spots appeared behind his closed eyes. When he came to, his hand was still gripping J’s cock, making strong pulls up and down the long length. He felt J tense then wetness coated his hand as he gave a whole body shiver. Robert flopped to his side and started laughing. Justin rolled over and glared. “What’s so damn funny?” “Look at us.” Justin’s shirt was twisted around his torso. Robert’s was completely buttoned and his jeans were only pulled down just past his ass, shoes and socks still in place. Justin started laughing, too. They finished undressing and slid under the covers. Rob wrapped himself around J’s smaller, muscled body. “Goodnight, sweetheart.” “Night. Love you.” Justin snuggled down. “Nuv you too,” Robert mumbled into Justin’s soft, thick hair, giving a little squeeze.

**** It had been two weeks since they’d gotten back to Portland after Rob’s match. They settled into a comfortable routine. Rob would stay over a couple of nights a week, usually the ones Justin didn’t work at the gym. If he didn’t stay over, many times he would pop in for breakfast before his morning run.

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Kelly was really starting to show, now that she was creeping into her sixth month. Justin thought the little belly that would pop out from her shirts was pretty cute. She wore larger clothes around the house, usually a shirt of his that she’d stolen out of the laundry. However, that wouldn’t last too much longer. Last week, she’d caved and gone out to buy maternity wear for the office. She signed up for Lamaze class and even asked him to be her coach. They were going shopping for baby gear next weekend. He’d found a nice upscale resale shop that would really cut down on costs. Rob was furiously training for the championship. There were three months until the match, and he’d found out his opponent would be one of the toughest he’d ever faced. Whenever Justin was at the gym, he would watch and admire the combination of brutal strength and graceful agility Rob used when sparring with his partners. James became a close friend as well, frequently gracing their house for cookouts with his family. Justin loved playing with and caring for James’ daughter. It was like uncle training classes. While they’d been gone, Mike had found a new boyfriend and the two were so hot and heavy right now that Justin rarely saw the man outside of work. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon, and he was, joy of all joys, folding laundry when the phone rang. Looking at the caller ID he noticed it was Deb’s cell phone. He picked up the bedroom extension and answered, “I’m sorry Justin can’t be reached right now, he’s out debauching your son. Please try again later.” He heard Deb’s high pitch lyrical laughter. “Really? That’s quite a feat since he’s standing here next to me.” Justin figured she turned her head away from the phone to talk to Rob because he overheard, “You hear that honey? Justin says he’s getting it on with you as we speak.” Rob’s deep voice chuckled in the background, “Damn, I gotta go, Mom! Apparently something’s come up.” Justin started laughing and nearly dropped the phone. When he put it back to his ear, he heard Deb’s voice again. “Anyway, I was calling because Joe and I want to have you and Kelly over for dinner this weekend. We have a little surprise for the sweet girl.” “Sounds good. What’s the surprise?” Ooh, he loved surprises.

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“Come on Deb, tell me…tell me…tell me.” Rob took the phone away from his mom. “No way, Jose. You just make sure you and Kelly are over here after your shift on Saturday.” He pouted even though he knew they couldn’t see on the other end of the phone line. “Fine. Party pooper. Love you.” “You too, J.” Justin hung up the phone with a smile on his face.

**** When Justin pulled up in front of the Deb’s house, he was desperately trying to play it cool. He knew there was some kind of surprise inside for Kell but was never able to get Rob to spill the beans. He tried all the sexual tortures he could think of and still nothing. Blasted man! Beautiful, strong, sexy, wilful man! Oh well, it was fun trying. He helped Kell out of the car, and they walked up the front pathway. Well, he walked. Her progress was more of a waddle. He heard a voice calling to him to come around back. When he did, he stopped dead at the large sign hanging from the deck railing. HAPPY RETIREMENT ROBERT!

“What the hell?” he exclaimed. Rob, James, Deb, Joe, and Kelly stood around laughing. Rob sauntered over and took his hand, pulling him further into the yard. He kissed him sweetly on the lips, but Justin was still too numb with confusion to respond. All he saw was the giant blue and yellow sign. Looking up into Rob’s face, he said, “I don’t get it. Where’s Kelly’s surprise? Why does the sign say that? And why is everyone laughing at me?” “Well, even though it’s my announcement, the surprise is for you. Kelly was in on it, and I think they’re pretty convinced your eyes just bugged out like a cartoon characters when you saw the sign.” “But…but…why? You can’t retire now. You have the championship in two months! It’s all you’ve been working towards.”

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“My plan is to officially retire after the match, regardless of the outcome. I wanted to give you this surprise because you have been so patient and understanding. After the match, I plan to open my own gym. I want to train and teach the next generation of fighters. And I want to come out. All those things we talked about happening someday, a home, children, and a complete life together. They’re here. It’s time, sweetheart.” “Oh my God,” Justin whispered. “Really?” He stared at Rob and tears pooled in his eyes. “Really?” He looked over at Deb and Joe and saw them smile and nod. Finally, he lost it and yelled out, “Really?” Rob nodded and opened his arms. Justin jumped up, wrapping his legs around Rob’s lean waist. Rob spun him around, and he laughed with sheer joy. Everyone was clapping in the background.

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Chapter Twelve

The leaves were turning. The fight was just around the corner. Justin was raking the back yard when Rob’s voice called for him from inside the house. “Back here,” he yelled. Rob opened the screen door to the backyard and ran down the porch steps. “There you are. I was searching for you all over the place. I have some great news.” He lifted Justin up and spun him around causing the rake to fall to the ground. “I signed the final papers with the contractor for the building. We’re breaking ground at the end of the month.” Rob had been unable to find a building that really suited his purpose without extensive renovation to the structure, so he’d opted to build his own on a plot of land he’d found outside town. It was nestled in the hills and had plenty of acreage to expand if he wanted to in the future for extended camps or whatever. They even talked about building their home on it. “That’s great. Now put me down so I can finish raking these leaves up.” “Nope. I wanna celebrate.” He lifted Justin’s shirt off “What time is Kelly getting home?” “What time is it?” he asked, reaching for Rob’s belt. “Twenty after three,” Robert said, looking at his watch and unsnapping Justin’s jeans. “We’ve got two and half hours. Go, man, go” He pushed Rob towards the house. They ran inside laughing, clothes halfway hanging off. They only made it as far as the sofa in the living room before they crashed. Articles of clothing flew through the air like confetti. Laughter and moans echoed. Justin landed on top of Rob. He tongued Rob’s neck and nibbled on the tendons. “I can’t wait ‘til I can mark you. Declare you mine before the world.” Rob took both their cocks in hand and started stroking. “I like that. First thing, day after, I want you to suck up a big hickey.” Justin moved his tongue down Rob’s neck to settle over the pulse point, twirling over the spot. “Right here.” He moved to the base in the little well above his collar bone. “And

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here.” He settled further down directly over Rob’s right nipple. “And here”. He sucked a large area around the tip into his mouth. “Yes,” Rob cried. Justin moulded his lips to Rob’s, his tongue delicately licking the curves on the outside, the gentle touch a deliberate counter to the hard sucks a moment ago. Slipping a hand around the back of Rob’s neck, he held him steady and pressed his tongue inside that mouth, needing a deeper connection. So hot and wet, so sweet. Little cries escaped as Rob’s hand and his hips started moving faster. Rob threaded his fingers through Justin’s hair and clutched the strands hard at the root. When Rob shifted to change their position they ended up rolling off the sofa, falling to the floor with a thud and a tangle of limbs. Both were startled for a few seconds then started laughing again. Rob stood up and reached for Justin’s hand to pull him to his feet. “Come on. Downstairs. Bed. Lube.” “All good things.” He rose up on his toes to kiss Rob again. He was walking backwards still attached at the lips. Heads bent and twisted, hands groped and nails scrapped. He stopped when his back hit the door leading to the basement. “Oh, good thing this was closed.” He smiled. “I wouldn’t let you fall.” Robert reached for the doorknob. “Now get your fuckable ass down there.” Rob turned him around, and he ran down the stairs and into his bedroom. He was tackled onto the bed in a move worthy of Joe Greene. Rob climbed up his body and reached into the drawer. He snatched up the lube and his favourite dildo. “JJ wanna play?” Rob said, waving the dildo in front of Justin. “Oh, ew! Don’t call me JJ. Only Kelly does that. Wrong image right now.”

“Fine does J want Rob to fuck his boy? Does he want to be stretched wide with this fat dildo? Does he want to get nice and open so he can be fucked by a long, thick cock or maybe a fist?” He saw a whole body shiver travel down Justin’s frame with that last suggestion. Interesting. Has Justin been fisted before or is that a reaction tapped in fantasy?

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Rob reached down with his lubed fingers and started stretching Justin’s hole. As he watched one finger become two, become three, he imagined what it would look and feel like to literally hold Justin in his palm. What would it be like to have that tight heat surround his entire hand? He curled his fingers up, pegging Justin’s gland. The lean hips arched off the bed, the hands tightened on the rungs of the new iron and wood headboard they’d bought. Robert pushed deep and circled the digits, only to drag them across the spongy protrusion once more on the way out. Justin thrashed his head around, needy sounds escaping his throat begging for more. Robert slipped the dildo in deep with one slow slide. Justin moaned the whole way. Robert spread Justin’s legs wide open so they were lying across his thighs. The man was beautiful in his need. “Oh, look at how well you take that fat dick. Jesus, I’ve never taken the time to really look at you all laid open for me. I’m usually too busy pounding myself deep inside you.” The ring of muscle stretched tight around the fake cock. When Robert pulled it back, he watched the velvet-soft tissues come back and protrude before sinking back in with each thrust. He withdrew the dildo and paused just long enough that Justin started to squirm, seeking the penetration once more. Then he inserted it with a twist. Justin shouted, and his hands clenched around the bars of the headboard. The tender skin around his hole was pink and Robert wanted to lean down and lick it, so he did. The dichotomy of hard thrust to soft tongue once again caused Justin to moan. He tasted so good. Musky skin combined with the salty taste of dried sweat mingled on Robert’s tongue. He licked again, flicking the tip of his tongue at the stretched rim of the opening. He shifted the angle of the dildo up, aiming for the prostate. When he hit it, another unintelligible cry escaped. He was stuck on J’s response to the fisting suggestion. “Do you want it all, J? Do you want my hand?” “I’ve never…I don’t know…I want.” Robert saw that Justin’s mind was so gone on pleasure, he couldn’t form complete sentences, but he knew this was important. “You have to give me a complete answer, J. I won’t go any further until you do.” Robert watched as Justin visibly tried to gather his scattered brain cells.

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Justin looked directly into Rob’s eyes. “Yes. I want to try. But I’ve never, so if I say stop…” “I’d never hurt you. I’ll stop if you say.” “Okay, then.” “I think this will be easier if you turn on your side.”

Rob helped Justin roll so his back was to him. The dildo was slowly removed. The click of the lube top cracked in the silent room. The first touch was cold as a liberal amount was squirted directly inside his already stretched channel. Two fingers pushed inside. Okay this was easy. He could do this. He heard Rob groan behind him as the fingers began to scissor apart and play with the soft tissues. Rob placed kisses and soft bites all along his spine. A third finger was added, pushing inside. Justin clutched the sheets and felt beads of sweat roll down his face and pop up all over his body. His skin felt hot all over. The three fingers circled around, stretching and opening him further. More lube was added. The cold slippery gel soothed, cooled and relaxed his burning hot skin. Until the pressure returned, greater this time. Oh…so much…too much. He started breathing too fast. Tiny coloured fireworks exploded behind his eyelids. As if from a tunnel, he heard Rob calling his name. He felt a warm hand on his stomach, rubbing, calming, and soothing him. His breath slowed, but he kept his eyes closed. He didn’t want to leave the bubble he’d created behind. “That’s it, baby. God, you are so gorgeous like this. I’ve got four fingers spreading you open and you’re taking them beautifully. You’re so hot inside, so soft.” The fingers wiggled around, just petting him inside. His breathing slowed and the muscles around Rob’s fingers relaxed. The hand drew back again, and he whimpered in protest. It was too much, but it was so good. It came back, and with one smooth push, Rob’s hand popped through. He cried out at the top of his lungs, but there was no way it could be misinterpreted as anything but agonising pleasure. A rush of sensation swamped his entire body then he floated. Rob’s hand filled his channel, and he was in complete awe. The fullness, the pressure, the pleasure were such he had never experienced before. He wished he had a mirror so he

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could see them together like this, but at the moment, he didn’t even think he could get his eyes to focus. “Dear God, I’ve never felt anything like this,” Robert whispered reverently. One of Rob’s palms was on Justin’s lower abdomen as he rotated the hand inside him and pushed forward. “I’m holding you between my hands, baby. I’m completely inside you.” Justin’s eyes were closed, his breathing slow almost trance like. Little whimpers, not of pain, occasionally escaped. Rob slowly curled his fingers inside into a fist and pulled back ‘til he felt the base of his hand stop then he pushed forward. The only word Justin could vocalise was, “More…” Rob repeated the motion, and this time he gave a little twist on the way back up. His knuckles grazed over Justin’s gland, causing him to nearly shoot up on the bed, eyes going wide. Rob held him down, telling him not to jolt so he wouldn’t hurt himself. He did it again, but this time twisted the other way. It was still an incredible feeling, but didn’t give quite the same sensation. On the third push up, he twisted back the other direction and directly hit Justin’s prostate, dragging his knuckles against the tissues as he twisted upward. When Rob pulled back he straightened his hand out and retreated slowly, leaving Justin’s body empty. Justin hadn’t come, but that was okay. He didn’t honestly think he could. That would have required more bodily functions to operate than were online right then. He knew he was hard, but frankly didn’t have the will power to do anything about it. Rob rolled him over onto his back. Justin opened his eyes and tried to focus, but all he saw was blue. Brilliantly bright-blue orbs. Then something slid inside him again. It was softer than the hand, thick and long but not the same. It was Rob. He was sliding deep inside him, slowly. “You with me, J?” All Justin could do was blink. Hopefully, Rob took that as a ‘yes’. It didn’t take more than a few thrusts before he saw Rob grimace, bite his lip and yell out as he came. When Rob reached down and touched Justin’s cock it was as if an alarm went off in his body, waking him up. All it took was that one touch, and an orgasm of blinding intensity ripped though him. It was as if his entire body shattered as he came and came. Every bone, muscle fibre and drop of fluid inside his body seemed to exit through the tip of his penis, leaving him a husk, a shell of his former being.

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A moment later, he felt a damp cloth bathing him below, the cool moisture such a relief. He thought if he looked down he would see steam coming off his skin where it touched. He couldn’t speak. He couldn’t think. He just rolled into Rob’s body and was wrapped securely in his arms. Soft kisses and love words were whispered against his cooling skin. The blanket was pulled up around them, and he thought he heard Rob tell him to nap. He would wake him when Kelly got home. Justin’s eyes closed, and the world went dark.

**** Robert stood in the kitchen drinking a glass of water, when Kelly came waddling in through the back door. She had crossed over into her ninth month. Only three weeks to blast off as Justin said. She looked like she had a beach ball hidden under her shirt. “I saw that JJ started raking leaves, but why is the pile…” She stopped and looked around. “Okay, you’re standing in the kitchen, looking at that glass of water like it’s the nectar of the gods, JJ is suspiciously absent and it looks like his laundry basket exploded across the living room. Never mind,” she said, blushing. Robert felt a blush of his own creep up his face. “Um…yeah. He’s downstairs. I told him I would wake him when you got home.” She giggled. “If you wore him out that much, let the poor guy nap a little longer. I brought groceries home. Would you mind helping me carry them inside?” Robert all but ran out of the house, Kelly’s laughter on his heels the whole way. When he came back inside, Justin sat at their kitchen table, looking rested but still slightly blitzed out. Robert leant over and gave him a soft kiss before carrying the bags over to the counter. “So, Rob, are you all set to leave tomorrow?” “Golden. I have training on-site and publicity stuff this week. Then I’ve asked my agent to set up a press conference for the day before the fight to formally announce my retirement.” They figured it would play better that way. If he won, he would go out on top, and if he lost, it wouldn’t look as if he was running away. It was a shame Justin wouldn’t be there this time, but he didn’t want to risk Kelly going into early labour and not be here. “Well, you know we’ll be watching every second,” she said.

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He walked over to the table and lifted Justin up to sit him on his lap. He saw Justin wince a tiny bit and made sure to set him on the thickest part of his thigh for extra padding. He placed a kiss on his forehead and looked into those swirling chocolate eyes to silently ask if he was okay, receiving a soft kiss on the lips as an affirmative. “JJ? Are you okay? You’re awfully quiet. Are you upset that you’re not going to the fight because of me?” “No…no, Kell. I’m good. If Wiggles is going to put in an early appearance I want to make sure I can be here. Rob’s okay with me staying here. He understands.” “Absolutely, Kelly. To be honest, we really wouldn’t be able to spend any time together until after the event anyway. I just hope I make it back in time to be here when Wiggles put in his or her debut.” Kelly was rubbing her stomach up by her ribs. Justin got up off his lap and walked over to kneel at her feet. Placing his hand on her distended belly he rubbed right where her hand had been. The baby must have given her a wicked kick. “Listen here, Wiggles. You be nice to your momma now. No jabs to the ribs, just yet. Uncle Rob will teach you how to do that properly when you’re a little older.” Rob and Kelly laughed for a minute before Justin stood up and dug through the grocery bags. “Okay, boys and girls, what’s for dinner? I’m starved.”

**** Robert wanted to dance around the hotel room like an absolute fool. He’d done it! He’d won! Two-time heavyweight SMA champion! Four brutal rounds, but he’d won by knockout. It was still a little surreal. The clock on the desk showed that it was nearly three in the morning, but he was so wired there was no way he was falling asleep any time soon. He’d talked to Justin hours ago, immediately after the match, but wished he could hear his man’s voice again now that things were not so chaotic. He scanned the contents of the minibar and indulged by selecting a little bottle of bourbon. Maybe the alcohol would settle him down. He poured his drink then collapsed on the sofa, gazing out at the bright lights on the strip.

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He remembered only a few months ago, playing in that wonderland with Justin. Seeing the happiness on his face at the simple joy of riding a roller coaster or seeing water shoot up from fake cannonballs. Now they could do all that and more openly as a couple. Now if they wanted they could walk down that very street holding hands. With his official retirement, he was free, and the burden that had pressed on his soul was gone. His announcement the day before had stunned the SMA world. He’d prepared a speech, saying he’d dedicated fourteen years of blood, sweat and heart to the sport but was ready for a new adventure to begin. When asked what he was going to do next, he outlined his plan for the new gym. One reporter had asked if he planned to start a family, now that he was retiring, and he’d responded, ”Yes. I’m looking forward to making a home with my partner, Justin, and being a family with my soon-to-arrive niece or nephew and maybe children of our own someday.” The room had erupted in a storm of flashbulbs and questions were shouted from every direction. When he had calmly raised his hand, the entire maelstrom went silent. He’d focused on the multiple cameras, blinding him with high powered lights, and steadfastly explained that he’d chosen not to come out before now for personal reasons and that the SMA had never been privileged with the knowledge of his sexual orientation. Questions were screamed at him, inquiring if he’d felt unable to do so due to persecution from other fighters or management. The president of the SMA had stepped forward and calmly explained that they had no policy prohibiting an openly gay fighter, if a fighter chose to reveal his personal relationships that was his decision. He’d clarified that the choice had been of his own accord, and now, he was making another one. It was time the world understood that sexual orientation should have no impact on a person’s ability in the workplace, wherever that may be. He applauded those who choose to live openly, knowing it takes remarkable strength and courage. Now that he and Justin could join them, he only hoped that they could live up to their examples. Tonight, when he’d been handed his championship belt, he’d called his mom and Joe up into the ring. He’d handed the belt to them and offered his thanks for years of support. Then he’d turned to Joe and announced into the microphone that having never known his biological father, he considered Joe to be the father of his heart and he wished that all young

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boys could have someone as honourable and loving to look up to. Joe had dragged him into a hug, tears cascading from his eyes.

**** Robert was bone tired, having stayed a few extra days in Vegas to tie up all the loose ends of his former professional career. It was close to one in the morning when he pulled into the driveway at Justin and Kelly’s house. Despite his sleep deprived state, he noticed that all the lights were on. That’s odd. Even if Justin is waiting up for me, he wouldn’t normally have all the lights in the house on. He got out of the car and walked up to the front door. He got his key out, but noticed it was unlocked. Worry began to set in. Pushing the door open, he called out, “Hello? J? Kelly? Your champion is home.” He expected to see Justin running into the room and throwing himself into his arms but was met with silence. Looking around for a sign of what had gone down, he saw a note taped to the archway leading to the kitchen straight ahead. Kelly in labour. Went to hospital.

He took the time to turn everything off and lock up before heading back into the night. Reaching for his cell to see why Justin hadn’t called, he realised it was still turned off from the flight. Damn! He powered up and texted Justin that he was on the way. He got an immediate response. Hurry! Something Wrong! His foot stomped on the accelerator as he drove into the night. Soon, he rode up what had to be the slowest elevator on the planet to the labour and delivery floor of the hospital. As the ding went off and the doors finally opened, he shot out and looked to the right and left for someone to direct him where to go. A nurse saw him in his state of obvious distress.

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“Can I help you, sir?” she asked. “Yes, I’m looking for my partner, Justin Floyd. His sister was brought in to deliver her baby, and I got a message that something has gone wrong.” The nurse calmly escorted him to the desk to find out where he needed to go. She then walked him down to the glassed-in waiting area for families. When he saw Justin pacing, he ran towards him and gathered him in his arms. “What’s going on, baby?” Seeing the tears and anxiety in those beautiful brown eyes was heartbreaking. “I don’t know. They took her away. They won’t tell me anything.” He saw the pleading in Justin’s eyes to make it better and walked him over to a group of chairs. Kneeling in front of him, he gathered Justin’s cold hands between his and rubbed them together to generate some warmth. “Okay, walk me through the night. It’ll give you something to focus on.” “That’s all I’ve been doing for the last half hour since they took her. Trying to figure out where we went wrong. I just don’t see it. Hell, I’ve delivered more than one baby in the bus on my own. I’ve never had issues before.” “Sweetheart, that means it was nothing you did wrong. Now walk me through it.” “Okay… Kelly began to feel labour pains about six hours ago. At first, they were very mild and we clocked the contractions. Her water broke at nine-thirty tonight, that’s when we left to come here. Everything was going smoothly until she went into transition around midnight. The monitors showed that the baby’s heart rate kept dropping during contractions. The nurse kept an eye on it for the next several minutes. When it showed no sign of improving, they wheeled her back for an emergency caesarian.” Robert stood as Justin began to pace again. He wanted to hold his love but could see that right now the man needed to move. “The surgery, while nerve wracking, isn’t the problem though. About ten minutes after they wheeled her back, one of the delivery nurses came out and said there had been some complications in the delivery and told me to sit tight. I asked what happened, and she said they were working on it.” He turned around and looked at Rob, who was watching him intently. “That’s when I got your text message.” He walked over and flopped down into the chair.

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Robert sat next to Justin and reached for his hand, threading their fingers he squeezed in support. “Nobody’s talking to me. I don’t know if there are problems with the baby or Kelly or what.” He could see the fear in Justin’s eyes and wished there was something he could do to help him, some way he could magically get the answers Justin sought or make the situation better. Justin and Kelly were so excited for the arrival of Wiggles. They’d painted and decorated the nursery, filled it with plush toys and all the necessary equipment for bringing home the baby. Robert felt Justin tense and saw him looking towards the door to the waiting area. Turning his head, he saw two tired-looking doctors in scrubs, walking their direction. He and Justin stood up together and held hands. The doctors entered the room and gestured for them to sit back down. Robert recognised Dr. Allin as being Kelly’s obstetrician, but the other was unfamiliar to him. “Justin, I’d like you to meet Dr. Maynard. He’s a neurosurgeon on staff here at the hospital,” Dr. Allin said. Robert heard Justin’s soft exclamation of ‘Oh God’. Robert clasped his hand tighter, trying to transfer whatever strength he had in reserve. “I’m afraid that there were complications during your sister’s surgery. Shortly after she was put under anaesthesia, her blood pressure suddenly bottomed out. While one team was attempting to stabilise her, I delivered your niece. Fortunately, the baby is okay. The cord being wrapped around her neck caused the drops in heart rate we saw, but once we got her safely out, she stabilised quickly and pinked right up. I’m sorry to tell you that your sister has not been so fortunate. The sudden and unrecoverable drop in blood pressure caused a massive stroke. I called Dr. Maynard in to consult on her condition. I’ll let him explain the situation further.” Dr. Maynard proceeded to explain that he felt the stroke was caused due to the sudden decrease in blood pressure, which was triggered by an allergic reaction to the anaesthesia. There was no way to predict that she would have responded that way. Only two percent of all patients had a ten percent chance of it happening.

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Justin’s whole body shook next to him. Robert pulled him in close as the doctor told them that Kelly was currently in a coma, and they had ordered a specific test to look for brain activity. If none was detected, she would have to be declared brain dead. They were told the results would be back in an hour. A whole goddamn hour!

Justin numbly stood and held out his hand to each man. “Thank you, Dr. Allin for saving my niece.” Turning to the other physician, he nodded his head. “Please let me know my sister’s condition as soon as possible.” Rob guided him back into one of the chairs. Justin heard his voice, but couldn’t understand what he was saying. His entire existence had shrunk down to two simple words ‘brain dead’. It was unfathomable to him how someone whose eyes constantly sparkled with vitality could possibly be brain dead. His mind turned back in time and ran on a loop of memories. Playing tag in the park behind their house. Covering for each other when they’d wanted to go to a friend’s house after school. The times when he would protect her from lashings because of some chore not completed correctly. The day before he left home had been her birthday. He’d taken her to the park and presented her with a huge card he had made since they weren’t allowed to buy gifts, and he’d sung Happy Birthday as loud and off key as he could. The smile on her face that day could have lit up the playground at night. He remembered the day at the restaurant when he’d hugged her for the first time in twelve years, and the trip to the doctor’s office where they’d seen the first images of her baby on the sonogram. Oh my God…the baby! He has a niece. What would happen to the baby if Kell didn’t make it? He would have to find out if he could get custody, but what if Rob wasn’t ready for a child? It wouldn’t matter. Justin had to do it. He had to protect Kelly’s daughter. There was no way he would allow her to be sent to the system, when he was more than willing to raise her himself. He had made some contacts in Social Services through the fire department, maybe he could pull some strings. At some point, Rob placed a cup of coffee in his hands. When he saw the neurosurgeon coming back, he looked down and was shocked to see that the cup was empty. He felt the

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cup leave his hands. His legs sank from underneath him with the words, “I’m sorry, Mr. Floyd, but the test results showed no brain activity. Your sister is no longer with us.”

Robert caught Justin as he fell. The doctor informed him that Kelly was in the ICU, when they were ready to say goodbye. He thanked him and turned to sweep Justin into his arms. Matching silent tears streamed down their faces. When Justin’s changed to gut wrenching sobs, he pulled him in tight and rocked just like he would a baby. The baby! He would find some way to ensure that he and Justin would get custody of the baby. There was no way in hell he would allow the only blood family Justin had left to be taken from him. Robert had no idea how long they knelt on the floor, trying to comfort each other. Nothing really made a difference. Nothing really took away the pain, but being together at least they could share it. When the tears finally ceased for a moment, Justin looked up. “I guess I should call my parents? I mean…I know what they told her… but now…she’s really gone. They would want to say goodbye, right?” “I hope so. Do you want me to stay here or give you some privacy?” “Would you mind? Just a moment. It’s not that I don’t want you, it’s just…” He leant down and kissed Justin softly. The moment their lips touched all the emotion of the past week coalesced, and each of them grabbed onto the other. Their lips remained locked, touching, needing each other. His hands were buried in Justin’s hair. Justin’s latched onto the back of his neck. They couldn’t seem to let go, didn’t want to break the only positive connection. “I love you, Justin. So very, very much. We’ll work this out together, I promise.” “I love you, too. I know I haven’t said anything yet, but I am so unbelievably proud of you. Your speech, your fight. I don’t even have the words right now.” He petted Rob’s face and chest as they remained slumped on the floor against the chairs in the waiting area. “Not important. What is, is making sure we go assure Kelly that we’re going to raise her daughter the very best way we can and give them a chance to meet each other.” “Oh God!” Justin threw his arms around Rob’s neck and held on as tight as his could. “I wasn’t sure you’d…I didn’t know how to tell you that I intended…”

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“Oh, baby.” Robert’s chest kept hurting with all the pain and uncertainty emanating from Justin. “Of course, we’re going to raise her. I wouldn’t ever allow her to be taken from you or force you to choose between us. Besides, I’ve always wanted a little girl to spoil rotten.” Justin took a deep breath. “Okay…call parents…go get Alicia, and say goodbye to Kell.” “Alicia? Is that her name?” “Yeah. Kelly picked it out just the other day. She said we could call her Alli for short.” Rob felt the first smile of the night cross his face.

**** Justin dialled his parent’s home number on his cell phone. He waited with bated breath for them to pick up. It was now almost three o’clock in the morning, a time nobody wants to receive a phone call. A sleepy masculine voice barked out, “Hello?” “Mr. Floyd?” He knew if he asked for ‘dad’, the man would hang up on him. “Yes, who is this?” “I’m calling to let you know that your daughter is at Providence Medical Centre in Portland, Oregon.” “I don’t have a daughter, goodbye.” Before the man could hang up, he yelled, “Dad, don’t you hang up!” He heard another extension being picked up. “Listen to me, you self-righteous son of a bitch. Kelly suffered a massive stroke giving birth to your granddaughter. She has been declared brain dead. If you want any opportunity to say goodbye or to see the baby, you get your ass in the car and drive to Portland as fast as you can. I’m taking Alicia, and my partner and I are going to raise her. If you turn your back now, you will never…I repeat never…be allowed to see her again.” “I do not have any children,” the emotionless voice responded before hanging up. Justin calmly shut the phone. He noticed that a couple of the nurses were looking in his direction. They must have heard him yelling into the phone. He walked into the closest

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men’s room, thankful to find it empty this early hour of the morning. Standing in the narrow space between the sinks and stalls, he closed his eyes and tried to calm his breathing. When that didn’t work, he looked at his phone and, releasing a primal roar, threw it against the opposite wall, dispassionately watching as it shattered into dozens of small pieces. He heard the door slam open and saw, in one of the mirrors, Rob standing in the doorway. Justin vibrated with such rage and anger he wanted to scream. He wanted take that very strap his father used to whip him and beat the living shit out of the old man. How could he? How could he throw away his children and grandchild like weeks-old garbage? He started slamming the stall doors open one by one. Rob stepped up behind him and wrapped himself around his torso like an anaconda, holding his arms pinned to his sides. Justin continued to silently fight and struggle, desperately wanting to destroy anything in his path. Rob held him still, allowing him to fight against him but not escape his hold. Justin trusted Rob not to let go, knowing if he did something irrevocable would happen. After a while, the jerks and pulls stopped. His breath heaved in and out like he’d run a marathon. Nothing was said, no words were necessary. Rob knew what had happened. When the tension left Justin’s body, he calmly asked, “Are you ready to go down?” Justin nodded and they left the restroom together.

They walked to the nursery, which had already been made aware of the situation. When Justin got his first look at Alicia, he was swamped with feelings of both joy and sorrow. “She’s so beautiful. Just like her mother,” he said. After washing their hands, they were allowed to hold her. The moment the tiny bundle was cradled in his arms was surreal. This life had been created and nurtured inside Kelly. The baby was so swaddled in her little pink blanket and stocking cap, that all he could really see was her little, round face. It was still pink and wrinkly. He gently caressed the soft skin of her cheek with one finger, watching as her nose bunched and lips pursed. He leaned his head in, smelled that new baby smell and instantly fell in love. Transferring her carefully, he placed her in Rob’s arms, the difference between her petite size and his large one almost comical.

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He spoke softly to Alicia, introducing himself and Rob. He watched Rob look down at Alicia with amazement shining in his eyes, the innocence of new life protected in his strong arms. “Sweetheart, look, she’s opening her eyes,” Robert said with wonder. “I bet they’re going to be rich, chocolate brown. Just like yours and Kelly’s.” “Excuse me? I don’t mean to intrude, but are you planning on taking custody of the little angel?” He examined the nurse for any hint of disapproval and put his hand around Rob’s waist. “Yes, ma’am.” “It makes me so happy to see two people in love accept the gift of new life. Especially when it’s unexpected like this. I have a good feeling that you’ll be able to teach that to the little one here.” “Her name is Alicia. Alicia Michele Floyd. Would you please see to it that it gets put on her bassinet and birth certificate?” Justin asked. “Sure, honey. I want you to know that I talked to my supervisor, and she said that, if you would like, one of our nurses can escort you down to the ICU with Alicia here, when you say goodbye to your sister. Normally, the babies can’t leave this hallway, but these are extenuating circumstances.” “Thank you.”

They had just passed through the doors to ICU when Justin saw the bed where Kelly was resting. It was all he could do to continue putting one foot in front of the other. When he came up to the bed, he noticed they still had the ventilator attached. The device was artificially filling Kelly’s lungs and keeping her heart beating. She was so still and quiet. It was at that moment, he truly realised she was gone. This was not his sister lying there. His sister had been full of life, energy and love. He carefully lifted Alicia and placed her in the crook of Kelly’s arm, making sure to support her. “Kell, I’d like you to meet your daughter. Alicia, this is your mommy. She loved you very much, and desperately wanted to share her life with you. Kelly, I know you would have made a wonderful mother, and I’m sure you’ll be looking down on Rob and me from time to time. If you have any tips along the way, we sure would appreciate them.”

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He heard Rob chuckle softly. Picking up Alicia, Justin put her back in the wheeled carrier. He reached over and smoothed Kelly’s hair away from her face. “I love you, Kelly. I will never forget you. I promise to teach Alicia everything about you. Well, maybe not everything. I don’t want to encourage any mischievousness she inherits from you. Go in peace, little sister.” Justin leant down and kissed her gently on the forehead then signalled to Rob that he could say his goodbye. He held one hand while Rob took Kelly’s cool, delicate hand in his other one. “Kelly, I didn’t know you all that long, just a short handful of months. In that time I came to love you as I would a natural sister. I am so glad you were able to reconnect with your JJ. You brought the light out in each other. You remember that promise I gave you the day we met? I have every intention of keeping it. It breaks my heart to see you leave, but I want to thank you for gifting us with your daughter. Goodbye, sweet Kelly.” A doctor and nurse came over while they were saying their goodbyes, and at Justin’s nod, they turned off the ventilator. A few moments later, a sustained tone filled the air around them and Kelly Floyd was gone.

**** After saying goodbye to Kelly early that morning, he and Rob had gone home. They both crashed and slept deeply for several hours, wrapped securely in each other’s arms. Now they were back at the hospital to see Alli once again. They were met outside the nursery by a social worker. She indicated for them to enter a small staff room to discuss the situation. “Good evening, Mr. Floyd, Mr. Lansing. My name is Virginia Garner, and I’m with the Department of Human Services. I want to express my condolences for your loss. While I am sympathetic that this is a difficult and emotional time, I need to state that I am here to see that your sister’s daughter’s needs are being met with her best interest in mind.” Justin tensed, and he knew Rob had a similar reaction next to him. A mirrored flare of anger must have flashed their eyes because Ms. Garner took a step back. He took a deep breath. If he went off the deep end, it was not going to help the situation.

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“Ms. Garner, I appreciate the fact that you are doing your job, and I appreciate that you want what is best for my niece. However, I also know that you have been informed by the nursing staff here of Rob’s and my intention to raise Alicia. I cannot fathom why you think the possibility exists that her needs will be better met in a crowded foster system than with two loving parents, one of whom is a direct blood relation to her mother.” There. That’s eloquent direct, and somewhat polite. “Mr. Floyd. I think there may be a misunderstanding. I’m not here to try to take Alicia away from you. I apologise if that was the impression I gave. My sole intention on meeting you here today was to assess whether you truly wanted your niece or were taking her out of a sense of duty. Neither myself nor the state of Oregon have any problems with gay couples raising and adopting children, if that home provides a loving and nurturing environment.” “Then I, too, apologise, Ms. Garner. I was partly afraid we would be met with resistance, and I immediately went on the defensive.” He gave her a weak smile. “I didn’t know what would happen today. If it makes a difference to you, I did bring a notarised copy of Kelly’s will stating that I am Alicia’s guardian. In addition, she expressly gave her blessing for Rob and I to raise her daughter together should something happen to her.” “Then that is all we need. If I can have a copy of the will, I’ll make sure to note everything in my report. Again I’m sorry you had to lose a sister to gain a daughter. Take care of each other.” He released a huge breath when the social worker walked away. He turned to Rob and smiled. “We have a daughter. Why don’t we find the doctor so we can take her home?”

TAKING THE CHANCE

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Epilogue

Five Years Later… Robert sighed as he dropped onto the doublewide, padded lounger. The moonlight reflected off the pool, and a fire was lit in the copper pit table a few feet away. The warmth felt good mixing with the cool night air. He couldn’t believe Halloween was a couple of weeks away. Alli wanted to be a fairy princess. He smiled when he thought of the little costume they had found. It was a shimmering pink dress with white glittery wings made from some kind of see through material and was completed with a tiara and magic wand. He looked around the yard and saw the debris left over from Alli’s birthday party. A few cups littered the grass, and there was a wadded up ball of balloon-faced wrapping paper on the flagstone path. He heard footsteps come down the stone steps from the house and head his direction. Looking up, he smiled as Justin’s frame filled his view. “Hey. Is she asleep?” “Yeah. Crashed the second her head hit the pillow,” he said, snuggling down in front of Rob. Justin still loved to snuggle against him. Robert still loved picking him up and holding him in his arms. He may have retired, but owning a successful gym and training future champions kept him the same shape he’d had when competing. Robert adjusted their bodies so his legs bracketed Justin’s and wrapped his arms loosely around his waist. He nuzzled the tender skin of his neck and heard him sigh as he tilted his head back further. Robert’s hands wandered up beneath the soft cotton shirt. “Can you believe she turned five today? Seems like we just brought her home.” Justin’s cock was getting hard beneath Robert’s hands as he massaged the front of his jeans. Wanting to touch that silky, hot skin, he unbuttoned the fly and reached inside to wrap his hand around the long length. His cock pressed against the small of J’s back, and he ground up, rubbing their bodies together. Justin reached back and massaged him through his jeans. Robert moaned at the exquisite sensation.

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“You couldn’t have given her a better birthday present,” Justin said. Robert had presented Alicia with a silver locket. On the outside was a monogrammed engraving with the initials AFL. The official adoption papers had gone though a week before. Alli was now Alicia Michele Floyd-Lansing. Even more poignant was that every time she opened the heart she would see a photo of him and Justin on one side and Kelly on the other. He increased the pace of his strokes on Justin’s cock. “They’ve been a good five years. Haven’t they?” “Uh huh, good…oh Rob…yes…good.” He started playing with Justin’s nipples, at first just rubbing, then flicking, then tugging. Whimpering needy sounds got louder with each harder sensation. His lips latched onto Justin’s neck, sucking and pulling up a mark, one of their favourite things to do now. The freedom to visibly claim their mate was an aphrodisiac all on its own. His thumb circled the head of the stiff cock. Justin was still massaging him, and it felt so damn good. The pressure rubbing against him was absolute bliss. “I want you, J. I want to be buried deep inside you. You gonna ride me?” “Hmm…please, Rob. I need.” Robert undid the remaining buttons of Justin’s jeans and lifted his hips so they could pull them off together. Justin took his shirt off simultaneously as he stripped himself. He pressed their chests and lips together. Tongues came out to play. Mouths opened and clung together as arms circled and gathered their bodies tight. Justin straddled Robert’s legs and ground their erections together. Five years had passed and they were still as hot for each other as the day they met. “Which way you want me?” “Turn around.” He helped Justin turn so his back was to him. Raising himself to his knees, he pushed Justin onto his hands and bent down to lick at his hole. Sharp little cries echoed in the outdoors. It’s a good thing we ended up building our home out in the country. He kept circling his tongue around the puckered skin, pushing at the star and taking tiny nips with his teeth. Using his hands, he separated Justin’s cheeks and dug his face in to push his tongue as far inside him as possible.

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“Oh my God…fuck me…please fuck me,” Justin pleaded. Robert reached into the secret compartment of the chair and removed the lube they kept there for situations like this. He quickly slicked up his cock and braced it against the semistretched hole. Pushing inside slowly, he moaned at the heat and tightness surrounding him. When he’d gone as deep as he could, he reached an arm around Justin’s chest and pulled him up, while sitting back on his knees. The change in angle caused Justin to yell as Robert directly rubbed on his gland. “Okay, baby, now ride.” Justin began to move back and forth on him, forcing Robert’s cock deep inside. Each time, he thrust back little harder until Robert cried out at the sensations. Robert placed his hands on the slim hips in front of him and stilled their movements for a split second before he began pistoning in hard, fast and deep strokes. The grip of the soft channel as he moved made him see stars. Justin reached back and anchored his hand around Robert’s neck. His head tilted back, resting against Robert’s shoulder, and his eyes were closed. Harder and harder, Robert drove himself deep inside Justin’s ass. He felt the muscles tighten and release, milking the length of his cock. He used one arm to pin Justin’s back to his chest, while the other reached down and stroked Justin’s now leaking cock. His climax was moments away. His hips jack-knifed in smooth, long and fast strokes. Sounds poured from both of them, cries of pleasure and words of love. Their bodies glistened with sweat in the firelight. Robert leaned down and placed his mouth right next to Justin’s ear. “Come” he whispered. He felt a wash of heat cover his hand, and the hot channel gripped him so tight it was almost painful. He thrust deep a few more times and exploded. They fell back on the padded lounger in a tangle of sweaty limbs, spent and buzzing on the aftershocks. They snuggled together by the fire pit, a blanket thrown over the top of them, gazing up at the stars. Each of them was lost in his own thoughts, but content in the arms of his love. “It’s a good thing we have a big backyard,” Justin said, smiling. “It’s a good thing Alli’s room is on the other side of the house.” Robert chuckled. He kissed Justin’s temple and linked their hands together under the covers. “Love you, J. Love our family. So glad you convinced me to take the chance.”

About the Author Trina is every woman. She is at once shy and boisterous, introverted and extroverted. She likes to get dressed up in pretty clothes and thinks slippers, t-shirts and sweats are just fine. She loves music, movies, photography, and animals. Loves spending time with close friends and alone with a good book and glass of wine. An avid reader of romance novels from the time she was 13 she decided to finally write down one of the thousands of stories that have floated through her head over the years. She encourages all women and men to make the best of each day and never be afraid to reach for the stars. Email: [email protected] Trina loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author biography at http://www.total-e-bound.com.

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